Horsford Statement on Bipartisan Gun Violence Prevention Package Agreement

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) applauded the Senate introduction of an historic gun violence prevention package, crafted by a group of 20 bipartisan Senators. The agreement includes language from H.R. 4118, The Break the Cycle of Violence Act, introduced by Horsford last June. The community violence intervention programs from Horsford's legislation are slated to be funded at $250 million dollars, $2 billion dollars overall in anti-violence programs, and $11B in mental health investments through this new bipartisan agreement.

"Tragic massacres like those in Buffalo, Uvalde, Tulsa and even in my hometown of Las Vegas, are preventable by passing some commonsense gun reforms that a vast majority of Americas support. Solutions like additional vetting of people under 21 and cracking down on unlicensed sale of firearms are a step in the right direction. Yet, day in and day out, in communities across the country, Americans experience gun violence that doesn't get the same headlines and attention, mainly because they have become all too common. We can tackle these violent crimes by targeting community violence intervention and prevention programs, which is why I introduced the Break the Cycle of Violence Act last year, on the anniversary of my father's death as a result of senseless gun violence. I am heartened that I will likely have the opportunity to vote on this Senate deal, that includes my legislation, before we reach that solemn anniversary this Friday again. I applaud my Senate colleagues on reaching this agreement that includes historic investments in community violence prevention and intervention programs as outlined in the bill I introduced with Senator Cory Booker and so many of my colleagues in the House. And I want to thank the Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, for her help in securing these funds. These programs will reduce crime in our communities and help break the heartbreaking cycle of violence so many have become numb to."

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act, H.R. 4118, would provide federal grants to communities for evidence-informed community violence intervention and prevention programs designed to interrupt cycles of violence. Congressman Horsford (D-NV-04) introduced the bill last year on June 24, 2021, the anniversary of his father's death as a result of gun violence. He was joined in the introduction with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-AL), House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-07), and currently has a total of 85 co-sponsors. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Senate companion version.

“Congressman Steven Horsford has long since worked to combat and break cycles of gun violence plaguing our communities. As a top priority of the Congressional Black Caucus, we are proud to see the inclusion of  H.R. 4118, The Break the Cycle of Violence Act in the bipartisan gun violence prevention package which will provide federal funding for communities to implement evidence-informed community violence intervention and prevention programs. This effort underscores the historic nature of the Congressional Black Caucus’ fight to stem the tide of gun violence in our communities. We look forward to this legislation being signed into law by President Biden,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty. 

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