Statement from Sister Carol Keehan, DC, President & Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Health Association:

We urge the Senate to protect our nation’s communities by approving critical gun safety measures currently under consideration. Amendment 4720 by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) would prevent suspected or known terrorists from obtaining guns, and Amendment 4750—offered by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)—would require comprehensive background checks for all gun purchases including those made at gun shows and online. These lifesaving amendments are being considered as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (H.R. 2578), and should be approved to protect our nation from those who mean to do harm.

Assault rifles like those used in Orlando have no place off the battlefield, and no gun should be available to a criminal or terrorist. Like other health care providers, Catholic hospitals treat gunshot wounds every day—from domestic incidents to large-scale attacks. We fully support efforts to prevent the violence, injury and death these weapons cause. There is no excuse for inaction on these common-sense safety measures.