While a national conversation to improve policing in America has certainly begun, it is increasingly clear that the change we need is not happening fast enough. We must immediately begin the difficult work of eliminating excessive, deadly force and improving the racial attitudes of both law enforcement and the communities they police. It is long past time for our nation to acknowledge, through word and action, that Black Lives Matter.

It is also necessary that we address our nation's gun violence epidemic. Chairman Yarmuth supports legislation to keep military-style weapons off the streets, close loopholes that allow people to buy guns illegally, and require universal background checks for all gun purchases. He will continue this fight in Congress until our communities are safe from the scourge of gun violence.