press
Washington, D.C., January 21, 2020 - Today, Brady endorsed Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) in her campaign for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020.
Brady President Kris Brown stated:
“As a former public health professional, Rep. Underwood understands that gun violence is a community problem, it is a systemic problem and it is a public health problem. She has clearly demonstrated she knows how to channel that understanding into action, such as helping to secure $25 million in federal funding to study gun violence prevention - the first such funding in almost 25 years. This funding will create new data and help to inform evidence-based programs and policies to address this crisis and save lives. She is a consistent and thoughtful champion of these policies, including as a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. We need more champions of gun violence prevention in Congress like Lauren Underwood. It’s why Brady is proud to endorse Rep. Underwood for re-election.”
Congresswoman Underwood made history in 2019 when she became the youngest African-American woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the first millennial, first woman, and first person of color to represent her district.
In Congress and as a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Rep. Underwood has championed common-sense and proven gun violence prevention policies, such as universal background checks for all gun sales and ensuring that individuals who are a risk to themselves or others do not possess a weapon.
Rep. Underwood shared:
“Gun violence is a public health crisis. People and families in Illinois’ 14th district and nationwide should not fear for their lives at work, a house of worship, or school. Addressing gun violence with meaningful action and strong legislation is our moral obligation. I’m proud to fight for meaningful gun violence prevention legislation that will save lives and will continue the fight in our communities alongside Brady. It’s an honor to receive their endorsement.”
It is unsurprising that this issue is a priority for Rep. Underwood, as she served as a public health official prior to taking office and five people were killed and an additional seven injured in a mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. factory in her district just weeks after she took office.
Brown concluded:
“Congresswoman Underwood has a proven record of advocating for common-sense solutions to the gun violence epidemic in the United States. We need to send her back to Washington to continue that work.”
Given the urgent need for federal action to reform our nation’s gun laws and to reduce gun violence, Brady will continue to issue endorsements for the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and state and local offices ahead of the 2020 elections.
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Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.