February 14, 2023 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today marking five years since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida: "As we come together today to remember the 19 souls we lost in the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting five years ago, our nation reels from yet another school shooting last night on Michigan State University's campus. I join our nation in praying for the victims of this latest tragedy and for the families and friends whose lives have been forever changed by this senseless violence. May they find the same strength and grace that the Americans affected by the Parkland shooting were forced to summon five years ago."Whether in East Lansing or Parkland, Uvalde or Newtown, Blacksburg or Littleton, we have seen our nation's gun-violence epidemic devastate families and communities in every corner of our country. Our students deserve to go to class and learn without having to fear for their own safety, just as all Americans deserve to live in peace and security. That's why Congress came together last summer after the deadly attack on Robb Elementary School to enact the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the most significant piece of gun legislation in decades. As the heart-wrenching events last night revealed, however, we must take further action to protect Americans from gun violence. House Democrats and I will keep pushing Congress to reinstate the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban and to pass further commonsense gun-reform legislation. These solutions did not come soon enough to spare Americans of the suffering that unfolded at Michigan State University, Stoneman Douglas, and elsewhere, but they would help avert similar tragedies in the future. As we advance that crucial work, we continue to stand united behind all those affected by gun violence in America. May we support them however we can, and may their grief give rise to greater understanding."###