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Thank you for contacting me to share your opposition to assault weapons legislation. I respect your opinion on this important issue and welcome the opportunity to provide my point of view.

Mass shootings are a serious problem in our country, and I have watched this problem get worse and worse over the 40 years I have been in public life. From the 1966 shooting rampage at the University... [MORE]

Thank you for contacting me to share your opposition to assault weapons legislation. I respect your opinion on this important issue and welcome the opportunity to provide my point of view.

Mass shootings are a serious problem in our country, and I have watched this problem get worse and worse over the 40 years I have been in public life. From the 1966 shooting rampage at the University of Texas that killed 14 people and wounded 32 others, to the Newtown massacre that killed 20 children and 6 school teachers and faculty, I have seen more and more of these killings. I have had families tell me that they no longer feel safe in a mall, in a movie theater, in their business, and in other public places, because these deadly weapons are so readily available. These assault weapons too often fall into the hands of grievance killers, juveniles, gangs, and the deranged.

I recognize that the Second Amendment provides an individual right to bear arms, but I do not believe that right is unlimited or that it precludes taking action to prevent mass shootings. Indeed, in the same Supreme Court decision that recognized the individual right to bear arms, District of Columbia v. Heller, the Court also held that this right, like other constitutional rights, is not unlimited. That is why assault weapons bans have consistently been upheld in the courts, both before and after the Heller decision. I believe regulation of these weapons is appropriate.

Once again, thank you for your letter. Although we may disagree, I appreciate hearing from you and will be mindful of your thoughts as the debate on this issue continues. If you have any additional comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at 202 224-3841.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the nation are available at my website, Feinstein.senate.gov. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list. Click here to sign up. And please visit my YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for more ways to communicate with me. [LESS]

Thank you for contacting me regarding proposed gun safety measures and mental health reform. I appreciate hearing from you about these important topics.


Like all Americans, I was deeply saddened by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. What added to our grief as a nation was that it also came on the heels of mass gun shootings in Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin,... [MORE]

Thank you for contacting me regarding proposed gun safety measures and mental health reform. I appreciate hearing from you about these important topics.


Like all Americans, I was deeply saddened by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. What added to our grief as a nation was that it also came on the heels of mass gun shootings in Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin, and the senseless acts of violence that occur every day throughout our country. In light of all of these events, it is apparent that far too many Americans, including children, are needlessly losing their lives. We must come together as a country to prevent future tragedies and the senseless loss of life, and to ensure that no American lives in fear.


On January 17, 2013, the President put forward a specific plan to protect our children and communities by reducing gun violence. The plan includes legislative and executive action that combined would close background check loopholes, ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, equip schools with safety resources and equipment, and increase access to mental health services.


As a hunter, I know that the recreational use and collection of guns is important to many Iowans and I will continue to work to protect the rights of law-abiding American gun owners. But we need to ask whether people need unlimited access to any arms, including those capable of shooting hundreds of bullets in a very short time. We can support gun rights while continuing to support responsible legislation to reduce crime and make our schools and communities safer. Each of these goals is important and I believe that they can be accomplished simultaneously.


That is why, over the years, I have consistently supported common-sense measures to protect our communities. For example, in the past, I have voted in favor of legislation to close the loopholes on criminal background checks on gun purchases at gun shows, and to require gun manufacturers to include child safety locks on guns. I have also voted against a blanket liability exception for gun manufacturers and sellers.


The tragedy at Newtown also shined a light on the state of our country's mental health care system. Over the past several months, I have heard from many Iowans about this issue, and their voices have been joined with people across the nation, including President Obama, calling for us to take a hard look at improving access to mental health services. In so doing, it is important to combat a common, insidious misconception that people with mental illness are inherently violent. In fact, individuals with mental illness are far more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators. We must remember that this unfounded stereotype is an impediment to reform, not a window into it.


With this in mind, on January 24, 2013, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, I convened a hearing to assess the state of America's mental health. We heard from expert government witnesses, as well as health care providers, mental health agencies, and patients. To view a webcast of this hearing, please visit http://www.help.senate.gov.


The hearing highlighted some of the shortcomings of the mental health care system. To begin with, mental health illnesses are chronic diseases that disproportionately affect young people under the age of 24. Yet the system appears to be failing some of these people. Less than half of children with an identified mental illness receive treatment, and the average gap between the onset of symptoms and the receiving of treatment is nearly a decade. Failing to diagnose and treat mental illness early in life seriously - and needlessly - aggravates adult mental health illnesses.


Shortcomings in diagnosis and treatment also spill over into other areas of society. For instance, a student struggling with a mental illness, like depression or anxiety, faces additional difficulties maintaining good grades and graduating on time. Our prisons are also overburdened by people who should be receiving treatment and substance abuse counseling as part of their rehabilitation.


We know that when individuals with mental illnesses receive appropriate treatment and support, they can recover and lead productive, healthy lives. I am currently examining proposals to strengthen access to mental health services in our communities, in schools, and in the clinical setting. In addition, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds federal health initiatives, I plan to take a close look at opportunities to strengthen funding measures. I am also heartened at the reforms we have already made. The landmark health insurance reform law, the Affordable Care Act ACA, provides nearly 30 million previously-uninsured Americans with access to health insurance plans that will be required to include coverage for mental health and substance abuse services. Integrating primary care and mental health services will reduce barriers to care and lessen the stigma of mental illness.


Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. Please do not hesitate to let me know how you feel on any issue that concerns you.


Sincerely,

Tom Harkin
United States Senator [LESS]

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your e-mail message. Keeping in touch with Coloradans is important to me. Due to the high volume of messages my office receives on a daily basis, I ask for your patience as I work with my staff to respond to your concerns.

I want to hear your thoughts on the issues that are important to you. The best ideas come from people in Colorado, not from politicians in... [MORE]

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your e-mail message. Keeping in touch with Coloradans is important to me. Due to the high volume of messages my office receives on a daily basis, I ask for your patience as I work with my staff to respond to your concerns.

I want to hear your thoughts on the issues that are important to you. The best ideas come from people in Colorado, not from politicians in Washington. That's why it's so important for me to hear your thoughts on how we can build a better future for Colorado and our country, together.

While we work to respond to your request, I invite you to read blog updates http://bennet.senate.gov/about/updates/, check out the latest news from your region of Colorado http://bennet.senate.gov/, and subscribe to an e-mail newsletter that will provide you with regular updates on my work on behalf of Colorado http://bennet.senate.gov/contact/. If you want to know more about issues and specific bills before the Senate, please visit our issue pages. If you're having trouble with a federal agency, visit the constituent services section http://bennet.senate.gov/services/. Scheduling requests may be e-mailed to scheduler@bennet.senate.gov or sent by fax to 202-228-4083.

Thank you for contacting me.

Please do not reply to this message. If you would like to send a message to Senator Bennet, please submit a form at http://bennet.senate.gov/contact. Thank you. [LESS]

Thank you for your email. Your questions, comments, and views are very important to me.

I appreciate learning of your thoughts. As the 113th Congress moves forward on the many important challenges facing our Nation, I will certainly keep your views in mind.

In the meantime, I encourage you to take some time and familiarize yourself with my congressional web-page by visiting... [MORE]

Thank you for your email. Your questions, comments, and views are very important to me.

I appreciate learning of your thoughts. As the 113th Congress moves forward on the many important challenges facing our Nation, I will certainly keep your views in mind.

In the meantime, I encourage you to take some time and familiarize yourself with my congressional web-page by visiting www.buchanan.house.gov. You can find additional information about current topics of debate in the Congress, information about Florida's 13th Congressional District, and other services and assistance my staff can offer to you. I hope that you find it useful.

Sincerely,
Vern Buchanan
Member of Congress [LESS]

Thank you for contacting me about your concern over President Obama's recent gun-control proposals.


As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe Congress must exercise sound judgment as it seeks meaningful solutions to reducing gun violence. The Constitutional rights of Americans must not be jeopardized.


I support a national discussion on ways to reduce gun violence, and I... [MORE]

Thank you for contacting me about your concern over President Obama's recent gun-control proposals.


As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe Congress must exercise sound judgment as it seeks meaningful solutions to reducing gun violence. The Constitutional rights of Americans must not be jeopardized.


I support a national discussion on ways to reduce gun violence, and I have suggested that we consider taking steps to keep firearms out of the hands of mentally deranged individuals like those responsible for the mass shootings in Connecticut, Colorado and at Virginia Tech. If people with serious mental illnesses are slipping through the cracks of background checks, we need address that issue immediately.


We should also be asking the entertainment industry what more it can do to address the violent video games and movies marketed to young males.


And finally, we must work to enforce the thousands of existing gun laws already on the books before we rush to enact measures that could compromise the Second Amendment.


Again, thank you for contacting me and please continue to stay in touch on this very important issue.


If you want to receive congressional updates on this issue click here.


Sincerely,

Member of Congress [LESS]

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about our nation's gun laws.

I understand the long history and family values associated with hunting and fishing. I believe we must respect the rights of responsible gun owners and our Constitution's second amendment, just as we respect the rights of all Americans to life, liberty and happiness. Our founding fathers recognized that rights... [MORE]

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about our nation's gun laws.

I understand the long history and family values associated with hunting and fishing. I believe we must respect the rights of responsible gun owners and our Constitution's second amendment, just as we respect the rights of all Americans to life, liberty and happiness. Our founding fathers recognized that rights come with responsibilities. I believe we can protect the rights of gun owners while taking common sense steps to prevent gun violence - steps supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans, including the vast majority of gun owners.


I respect your views on this complicated issue, as I hope you do mine. There is no question that this is a complex subject and that we must take a comprehensive approach to protect the Constitution and keep our children and the public safe. As a clinical psychologist by trade, I strongly believe it is time for a meaningful, nation-wide conversation about mental health. We must work even harder to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and make it easier to access the care that will help patients get well.


I appreciate you sharing your views on this important subject with me. I am honored to serve you, so please never hesitate to write or call me in the future.


In Friendship,
Judy Chu, PhD
Member of Congress [LESS]

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding the introduction of legislation regulating firearm ownership during the 113th Congress. I appreciate you taking the time to write me, and I welcome this opportunity to respond.


The shooting in Newtown, Connecticut is just one of the most recent in a series of terrible tragedies that are becoming all too common. It is unacceptable... [MORE]

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding the introduction of legislation regulating firearm ownership during the 113th Congress. I appreciate you taking the time to write me, and I welcome this opportunity to respond.


The shooting in Newtown, Connecticut is just one of the most recent in a series of terrible tragedies that are becoming all too common. It is unacceptable that our communities, especially our schools, should ever see such terror, and we owe it to the victims and their families to vigorously seek a solution to prevent another tragedy.


As you may know, I am a sportsman, and I cherish the weekends I have spent hunting in Martin County, Florida with family and friends. I know and understand that nearly all gun owners are responsible and law abiding, and that their freedom should not be encroached upon by ineffective restrictions and prohibitions.


I also believe that we can agree on sensible laws to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and those who seek to harm us. We should examine all aspects of gun violence and strengthen the programs that work, such as the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and mandatory federal sentences for criminals that use firearms in the commission of the crime. These measures help protect our families without infringing on the rights of lawful firearm owners.


Thank you again for contacting my office about this serious issue. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have or if I may be of assistance in anyway. If you would like to be updated on these and other issues, please visit my website www.patrickmurphy.house.gov/ where you can sign up for periodic updates.

Sincerely,

Patrick E. Murphy
MEMBER OF CONGRESS [LESS]

Thank you for contacting me.


I appreciate knowing your concerns regarding gun control legislation. As you may know, in the wake of the Newtown,Connecticut tragedy, there has been a flurry of legislative proposals introduced in Congress relating to gun control. Additionally, this past December, President Obama established a task force directed with finding a comprehensive approach for... [MORE]

Thank you for contacting me.


I appreciate knowing your concerns regarding gun control legislation. As you may know, in the wake of the Newtown,Connecticut tragedy, there has been a flurry of legislative proposals introduced in Congress relating to gun control. Additionally, this past December, President Obama established a task force directed with finding a comprehensive approach for preventing gun-related violence. Upon reviewing its recommendations, on January 16, President Obama issued 23 executive actions and recommended a series of legislative proposals for Congress to enact to address the issue of gun violence. Such proposals included placing limits on guns and ammunition, bolstering school security and improving access to mental health services.


Like you, I believe the right to bear arms is a fundamental principle upon which this nation was founded and this right must be preserved for future generations. As a strong supporter of the second amendment, I have serious concerns with legislative efforts that seek to limit law-abiding Americans' right to purchase and own firearms. Please be assured I will keep your concerns in mind should any gun control legislation come before me for a vote in the House of Representatives.


Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.


Sincerely,

Dave Camp
Member of Congress [LESS]

Thank you for contacting me regarding gun control and the recent mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.


The senseless violence and loss of life at Sandy Hook has taken an unimaginable toll on the families of the victims, the Newtown community, and the nation as a whole. This is a time of national mourning, as well as a time for serious soul-searching and... [MORE]

Thank you for contacting me regarding gun control and the recent mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.


The senseless violence and loss of life at Sandy Hook has taken an unimaginable toll on the families of the victims, the Newtown community, and the nation as a whole. This is a time of national mourning, as well as a time for serious soul-searching and reflection.


I have been a consistent supporter of the ability of law-abiding citizens to own and use guns for self-protection, hunting, and sporting purposes, while supporting reasonable measures to keep guns away from individuals who use them to threaten or harm other people. The Newtown tragedy is the most recent reminder that our laws are failing in that regard.


This tragedy is also a reminder that we must address the way in which we treat mental illness in this country. For too long those suffering from these disorders have been stigmatized and isolated from society. The support and treatment we need to offer are currently being compromised, in North Carolina and elsewhere, by misguided budget priorities. We must do better, especially in reaching out to troubled young people.


I refuse to believe that these issues are too complicated or politically divisive to be addressed comprehensively and conclusively. Should the House consider legislation on gun access, school safety, or related mental health issues, I will consider it carefully, keeping your concerns in mind.


Again, thank you for contacting me. Please continue to be in touch about issues of concern.


Sincerely,

DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress [LESS]

Thank you for e-mailing me your message. It is important that I know the concerns of my fellow Marylanders so I can carry out my responsibilities in Congress.


I appreciate hearing from you and I look forward to considering your message further. I will try to respond more fully to your e-mail as soon as possible.


Sincerely,

Congressman Chris Van Hollen [MORE]

Thank you for e-mailing me your message. It is important that I know the concerns of my fellow Marylanders so I can carry out my responsibilities in Congress.


I appreciate hearing from you and I look forward to considering your message further. I will try to respond more fully to your e-mail as soon as possible.


Sincerely,

Congressman Chris Van Hollen [LESS]