Excerpts of the Presidents Remarks on Reducing Gun Violence As Prepared for Delivery I noticed that Nicole and others

s refer to that day as twelve-fourteen. For these families, it was a day that changed everything. And I know many of you in Newtown wondered if the rest of us would live up to the promises we made in those dark days if wed change, too; or if, once the television trucks left, once the candles flickered out, once the teddy bears were gathered up your country would move on to other things.

Newtown, we want you to know that were here with you. We will not walk away from the promises weve made. We are as determined as ever to do what must be done.

As soon as this week, Congress will begin debating commonsense proposals to reduce gun violence. But Congress is only going to act on them if they hear from you the American people.

Some back in Washington are already floating the idea that they might use political stunts to prevent votes on any of these reforms. Think about that. Theyre not just saying theyll vote no on ideas that almost all Americans support. Theyre saying they wont allow any votes on them at all. Theyre saying your opinion doesnt matter. And thats not right. Ive also heard some in the press suggest that what happens to gun violence legislation in Congress this week will be a political victory or defeat for me. You know what? This isnt about me. And it shouldnt be about politics. This is about doing the right thing for families like yours that have been torn apart by gun violence, and families going forward. When I said in my State of the Union Address that these proposals deserve a vote that the families of Newtown, and Aurora, and Tucson, and their former colleague in that chamber, Gabby Giffords, all deserve a vote virtually every member in that chamber stood up and applauded. Now theyre going to deny those families your families a vote when the cameras are off and they think no ones looking? You deserve better. You deserve a vote. Look, we knew from the beginning of this debate that change wouldnt be easy. We knew there are powerful interests that are very good at changing the subject, at

amplifying conflict and extremes over common ground, at drowning out rational debate by ginning up irrational fear. Thats what too often stands in the way of progress. But if our history teaches us anything, its that its up to all of us the people to stand up to those who say we cant, and stand up for the change we need. If youre an American who wants to do something to prevent more families from knowing the immeasurable anguish that these families know, now is the time to act. Now is the time to get engaged, to get involved, to push back on fear, frustration, and misinformation. Now is the time to make your voice heard from every state house to the corridors of Congress. ###