Agenda posted for Carthage City Council meeting

 

Billy Long: When will media end double standard and cover attacks against pro-life organizations?

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned I'd like to address the telegraphing of the decision and it's aftermath that was first reported by Politico. 

The now famous leak stated that the Supreme Court of the United States was about to overturn Roe v. Wade, and send the issue of abortion back to the states. They got this information from a leaked draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito. 

We still don’t know who took the unprecedented step of leaking a full draft opinion before the ruling was released, but we do know the result of the leak. Almost immediately, left-wing activists started planning protests and demonstrations to try and force the justices to not overturn Roe.

There have been protests outside the homes of Supreme Court Justices, even the home of Justice Amy Coney Barrett who has young children. These protests are meant to intimidate the justices into doing what the activists want. 

Recently a deranged man got himself arrested outside of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home with a gun, saying he wanted to kill the justice because he was mad about the possibility of Roe being overturned. He found the home because protest groups posted Justice Kavanaugh’s address online. 

When asked about these protests outside private homes, then-White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki refused to condemn the protests, and even encouraged them. 

Just two years ago, now Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stood on the steps of the Supreme Court, and said, “I want to tell you (Justice Neil) Gorsuch, and I want to tell you (Justice) Kavanaugh, you have unleashed the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.” 

In the wake of an assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh, you would think the media would be demanding Sen. Schumer apologize for these remarks, but they haven’t.

It’s not just the justices’ homes that have been targeted. Radical activists have also attacked 60 Pro-Life organizations and crisis pregnancy centers nationwide. These centers, many of which are religious, have been firebombed and vandalized. 

You would think that President Biden, a devout Catholic, would condemn these lawless acts, and send in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate. You would be right, but unfortunately it didn’t happen right away. 

The FBI announced last week that they were finally investigating this string of attacks, but it took them 45 days after the draft opinion was released. The FBI should have been investigating this from day one.

All acts of political violence are un-American and cannot be tolerated regardless of the issue or the source. Judges and politicians should be able to do their jobs without fear of being physically attacked or killed. 

Sadly, the so-called mainstream media does not treat all acts of political violence equally. The weekly network Sunday shows barely mentioned the assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh the week after it happened. And there has been minimal coverage from the so-called mainstream media about the attacks on Pro-Life organizations and crisis pregnancy centers. 

The big question I have this week is this: when will the media end their double standard and start covering these ongoing attacks against Pro-Life organizations? And, I'm not holding my breath.

Carthage man bound over for trial on first degree murder charge

A 9 a.m. July 25 trial court arraignment is scheduled for Mason Scott Roach, 26, Carthage, who waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday on first degree murder and armed criminal action charges.

Roach is accused in the December 18, 2019 death of Jonathan E. Powell, 36, Joplin, at Westside Storage, 1717 S. Roosevelt, Joplin.

Roach was awaiting trial in Jasper County Circuit Court on a felony auto theft charge when the murder occurred.

At the time he allegedly committed that offense, he was on probation after receiving suspended sentences for stealing a gun, forgery and domestic assault.

Vicky Hartzler: Decision to overturn Roe v Wade is monumental win for the American people

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) issued the following statement regarding this morning’s Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization striking down Roe v. Wade:

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and uphold Mississippi’s pro-life law is a monumental win for the American people and millions of unborn lives.

Nine unelected justices should never have imposed Roe’s radical abortion regime on the nation. This decision returns the debate to where it belongs—the people and their elected representatives.

Let’s be clear: This ruling by the Supreme Court will undoubtedly save lives.

With the advancement of science, we now know that at six weeks, an unborn baby has a beating heart. At 10 weeks, an unborn baby has arms and legs, and fingers and toes. At 15 weeks, an unborn baby can suck her thumb and feel pain. These tiny lives deserve love and protection – not to be torn apart by abortion.

We must also continue to support expectant mothers, which is why I support the over 2,700 pregnancy care centers across the nation which provide critical services to millions of families every year.

The pro-life movement has been fighting for every minute of the nearly five decades since Roe was issued for it to be reversed. I am deeply thankful to see their labors come to fruition and I am proud to once again live in a nation which upholds the sanctity of life.”

Parson signs proclamation ending elective abortions in Missouri immediately

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, in response to the United States Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, Governor Mike Parson signed a proclamation giving legal effect to Section 188.017 RSMo and activating the "Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act."

"Nothing in the text, history, or tradition of the United States Constitution gave un-elected federal judges authority to regulate abortion. We are happy that the U.S. Supreme Court has corrected this error and returned power to the people and the states to make these decisions," Governor Parson said.

"With Roe v. Wade overturned and statutory triggers provided in HB 126, we are issuing this proclamation to restore our state authority to regulate abortion and protect life. 

Thanks to decades of conservative leaders, Missouri has become one of the most pro-life states in the nation, and our Administration has always fought for the life of every unborn child. Today, our efforts have produced what generations of Missourians have worked and prayed for: Today, we have won our fight to protect innocent life," Governor Parson continued.

Governor Parson's proclamation notifies the Missouri Revisor of Statutes of the effective date of Section 188.017 RSMo.

Section 188.017, or the "Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act," includes several provisions:Prohibits doctors from performing abortions unless there is a medical emergency;

Creates criminal liability for any person who knowingly performs or induces a non-medical emergency abortion and subjects his or her professional license to suspension; and

Protects any woman who receives an illegal abortion from being prosecuted in violation of the Act.

The "Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act" was included in HB 126 and contingent upon the U.S. Supreme Court overruling Roe v. Wade in whole or in part. Governor Parson signed HB 126 in 2019.

Governor Parson's Administration is coordinating with the Missouri Attorney General to quickly resolve any litigation against HB 126 before the Courts that is currently preventing implementation of the law.

See attachment for the proclamation that has been signed by Governor Parson and sent to the Secretary of State's Office to be attested.




Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act Proclamation.pdf

Signing for John Hacker's new book set for Saturday at Always Buying Books

John Hacker will be at Always Buying Books, 5357 N. Main, Joplin, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday signing copies of his new book Remembering the Battle of Carthage.

From the book's description on Amazon:

On May 13 and 14, 2011 the city of Carthage and Battle of Carthage Inc., hosted a huge reenactment of what we locally call the first true land battle of the Civil War, the July 5, 1861 Battle of Carthage.

As the city and Battle of Carthage Inc., prepare to hold another reenactment to mark the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Carthage, we present this book to remember the reenactment of 2011 and the history behind that event.

Updated with the story of the burial of Raphael Rombauer, a Civil War officer who fought in the trans-Mississippi theater under Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, we present this book in honor of the 160th Anniversary Reenactment of The Battle of Carthage, May 21 and 22, 2022.

Hacker will also have copies of the 10th anniversary edition of 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado available.

For those who can't make it, Remembering the Battle of Carthage can be ordered through Amazon at this link.

The 10th anniversary edition of 5:41 can be ordered through Amazon at this link.

Carthage R-9 hires 14 teachers, accepts three resignations; one teacher passes

 

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, June 20, 2022, 6:00 pm, at Carthage Junior High School. Present were Board members Niki Cloud, Bill Lasley, Karen Wilkinson, Nathan Terry, Jeff Jones, Patrick Scott, and Ryan Collier. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, financial report, meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year, amended student transportation routes and average ridership counts for the 2021-2022 school year, revised 2021-2022 school calendar, Tigers Together Back-to-School Plan, and awarded contract for audit services. 

Leesa Loggains, Professional Development Chair, provided an evaluative report on Professional Development, Missouri School Improvement Area TL-2, G-8(2). Professional learning drives and supports instructional practices in the District and leads to improved student learning. The three-year retention rate for the 2020-2021 school year was at 69 percent, while one-year retention rates for the year were 78 percent. 

Mr. Jones reported he had no update for the Carthage R-9 Foundation. 

Dr. Baker presented the preliminary 2022-2023 budget, including a $1,000 raise to the teacher’s base salary, a $1.25 per hour raise to support staff salary schedules, and a $1,500 annual increase for bus drivers. However, Dr. Baker requested the Board consider amending the budget in July to include an additional $500 to the teacher’s base salary. 

Mr. Jared Patrick, High School Assistant Principal, presented a revised finals exemption policy developed by high school staff. However, the Board tabled the decision and requested a committee be formed, including two board members, and high school staff, to consider revisions to the policy. The goal is to present a recommendation to the Board in August. 

Dr. Baker updated the Board regarding the following: 

• Summer school numbers are higher than last year but still lower than 2019 

• K-8 last day of summer school is June 27th and 9-12 will be June 28th 

• July 26th Board of Education Work Session 

• Appreciation for approving budget 

• PAC Update- Election is August 2, 2022  

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal and personnel matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), (6), and (13) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. 

In closed session, the Board approved the following personnel actions: 

Certified Hire: 

Justin McKee, Alternative Education Teacher, Powers Learning Center, New Hire 

Daniel Powers, Assistant Principal Carthage High School, New Hire 

Kaylin Portillo, 1st Grade Dual Language Teacher, Fairview Elementary, New Hire 

Jorge Guevara, ISS/Distance online Learning Teacher, Carthage Junior High School, New Hire 

Sharon Jeffrey, 5th Grade Teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center, New Hire 

Courtney Crandon, ELL Teacher, Carthage High School, New Hire 

Amanda Whitley, Special Education Teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center, New Hire 

Douglas Miller, Special Education Teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center, New Hire 

Caitlin Dean, School Psychologist, Administrative Office, Rehire 

Barbara Hannah, Chemistry Teacher, Carthage High School, New Hire 

Cayley Chandler, 1st Grade Teacher, Steadley Elementary, New Hire 

Ronna Patterson, ELA Teacher, Carthage High School, Rehire 

Hector Sanchez Piraguata, 4th Grade Spanish Dual Language, Carthage Intermediate Center New Hire Brett Fox, ELA Teacher, Carthage High School, New Hire 

Support Hire: 

Nathaniel Byers, Groundskeeper, Maintenance, Rehire 

Zachary Geter, Seasonal Maintenance, Maintenance, New Hire 

Christy Hartman, Title I Paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary, Rehire 

Lana Beck, CTE Business and Accountability Manager ,Carthage South Technical Center, New Hire Jenae Johnson, Tiger Prep Academy Paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary, New Hire 

Amanda Muller, Title I Instructional Assistant, Mark Twain Elementary, Rehire 

Miranda Plybon, Nurse, Pleasant Valley Elementary, New Hire 

David Tomas, Student Intern, Administrative Office, New Hire 

Sarah Huntley, Part-time Parent Educator, Parents as Teachers

Abby Williams, Part-time Parent Educator, Parents as Teachers

Julio Villanueva, Student Worker, Technology, New Hire 

Caylon Freeman, Cook, Carthage High School

Melissa Anzjon, Cook, Carthage High School 

Birgit Anzjon, Cook, Carthage High School

Becky Purinton, Assistant to the Superintendent, Administrative Office, New Hire 

Brooklyn Cordova, Cook, Carthage Intermediate Center, New Hire 

Michael Asbell, Custodian, Carthage High School, New Hire 

Coltan Owens, Seasonal Maintenance, Maintenance, New Hire 

Substitute Staff: 

Neal Griffith, Substitute Custodian, District, New Hire

Certified Resignation: 

Matthew Bennett, Band Director Carthage Junior High School  

Denise Womble, ELL District Coach Welcome Center Deceased 

Tracy Rogers, Speech Language Pathologist Carthage High School Resignation 

Maryanna Perry, Part-time Practical Nursing Instructor Carthage North Technical Center Resignation

Support Staff Resignation: 

Jeffery Kenagy, Custodian Carthage High School Resignation 

Shandy Wilson, Shandy Paraprofessional Steadley Elementary Resignation/Assignment Ending 

Amanda Muller, Title I Paraprofessional Steadley Elementary Resignation/Assignment Ending 

Christy Hartman, Paraprofessional Steadley Elementary Resignation/Assignment Ending

Dylan Smith, Groundskeeper Maintenance Resignation 

Mac Backerman, Title I Paraprofessional Mark Twain Elementary Resignation 

Caden Hendricks, School Psychologist Intern Administrative Office Assignment Ending 

Amy Clark, Administrative Assistant Transportation Resignation 

Wendy Thurman, Cook Food Service Resignation 

Support Staff Retirement: 

Roberta Provins, Paraprofessional, Carthage Junior High School Retirement 

Extra Duty Resignation: 

Nathan Patrick, Assistant Baseball Coach Carthage High School Resignation 

Matthew Bennett, Junior High Instrumental Music Carthage Junior High Resignation 

Eric Stark, Elementary Instrumental Music Carthage 6th Grade Center Transfer 

Tessa Hoefling, Website Administrator Carthage Intermediate Center Transfer 

Jaren Hulette, Assistant Softball Coach Carthage Junior High Transfer 

Kristian McConnell, 8th Grade Head Girls Basketball Coach Carthage Junior High Transfer 

Certified Transfer: 

Charles Sailor, Physical Education Teacher Carthage Junior High School Transfer 

Hoefling, Tessa 1st Grade Teacher Mark Twain Elementary Transfer 

Alexandra Krieg, Career Services, Coordinator Carthage Technical Center Transfer 

Seth Davison, Special Education Teacher Carthage 6th Grade Center Transfer 

Flint Whitehead, Assistant Director Carthage Technical Center Transfer 

Bobbi Murrell, ELA Teacher Carthage 6th Grade Center Transfer 

Eric Stark, Band Director Carthage Junior High Transfer 

Julie Sherrod, Band Teacher Carthage High School Transfer 

Support Transfer: 

Kensey Sageser, Administrative to Assistant Superintendent for Business Administrative Office Transfer 

Ginger Ritchie, Cook Carthage Intermediate Center Transfer 

Misseal Maturino, Home to School Liaison Carthage 6th Grade Center Transfer 

Terrie Holden, Title I Instructional Assistant Carthage Intermediate Center Transfer 

Sheril VonHolten-Cartwright, Title I Paraprofessional Columbian Elementary Transfer 

Alanea Tosh, Head Cook Carthage High School Transfer 

Ilia Martinez, Cook Carthage High School Transfer 

Additional Duty: 

Justin McKee, Assistant Football Coach Powers Learning Center New Hire 

Kassandra Lipscomb, Head Cheer Coach Carthage High School Transfer 

Eric Stark, Junior High Instrumental Music Carthage Junior High Transfer 

Amajae Gordon, 8th Grade Assistant Football Coach Junior High School Rehire 

Kristian McConnell, 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach Carthage High School Transfer 

Extra Duty Modification: 

Ashley Patterson, 7th Grade Assistant Girls Basketball Coach Carthage Junior High School 

Freddie Hernandez, Bilingual - Writing Carthage 6th Grade Center 

Alexandra Ritter,  Bilingual - Writing Carthage 6th Grade Center 

Alexandra Ritter, Bilingual - Speaking Carthage 6th Grade Center 

Gus Carter, Offensive Coordinator (0.5) / Assistant Football Coach (0.5) Carthage High School 

Ricky Nichols, Offensive Coordinator (0.5) / Assistant Football Coach (0.5) Carthage High School Brooklyne Coy,  Assistant Volleyball Coach Carthage High School

Christina Landburg, Website Administrator Intermediate Center 

Aaron Boucher, 7th Grade Assistant Football Coach Junior High

Jaren Hulette, Assistant Baseball Coach Carthage High School

Parson signs bill exempting World Cup tickets from state, local sales taxes

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill (SB) 652 into law, which exempts 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets from Missouri state and local sales taxes.

"We are thrilled that Kansas City has been chosen as a host city for the 2026 World Cup, and we are signing this legislation today to show our appreciation and fulfill our obligation as good hosts," Governor Parson said. 

"Not only will we welcome hundreds of thousands of fans but also hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to the Kansas City region and Missouri. 

"Kansas City is at the heart of our nation's heartland and, as the only host city in the Midwest, will be a proud representative of Midwestern hospitality and our sports loving traditions. We look forward to welcoming the world to Kansas City to help deliver the largest World Cup in history."

"The positive economic impact of this event will be felt throughout the entire state," Missouri Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo said. "As the only midwestern city selected, we have a great responsibility, and I know we'll rise to the occasion."

"This is such a huge accomplishment for our state and Kansas City," said Missouri State Representative Jon Patterson. "To think that people from all over the world are going to come to Kansas City to watch the World Cup is so exciting. I know we are up to the challenge for being a great host city."

SB 652 authorizes state and local sales tax exemptions on tickets sold to attend the 2026 FIFA Word Cup matches held in Kansas City. The sales tax exemption was a requirement for Kansas City to be selected a 2026 World Cup host city, which is expected to generate nearly $700 million in economic activity for the region.

To learn more about SB 652, click here.

Politico: Republicans start super PAC to stop Greitens

Politico reports that a super PAC called Show Me Values has been formed to prevent former governor Eric Greitens from winning the Republican nomination for U. S. Senate.

The group is planning to spend $1 million for anti-Greitens advertising that will be aired in the Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield markets.

It appears that St. Louis billionaire Rex Sinquefield, a longtime contributor to Republican candidates and conservative causes in Missouri is providing much of the money for the PAC.

From the Politico article:

One of the group’s TV ads says Greitens was involved in “scandal after scandal,” and highlights allegations from Greitens’ ex-wife that he abused her and her children, which the former governor has denied. Another commercial paints Greitens as soft on China, saying that “while President Trump was getting tough on China, Eric Greitens was praising them.”

Emanuel Cleaver: House passes common sense gun safety legislation

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

The weeks since my last writing were filled with heartache and tragedy in the wake of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the Tulsa, Oklahoma Medical Center shooting, the Chattanooga, Tennessee shooting, the Maryland manufacturing facility shooting, and other senseless acts of gun violence that did not make national headlines.

Fueled by frustration and duty, I joined many of my colleagues in Congress to respond to the scourge of gun violence, as well as the nation's most pressing issues and current events. 

In the past month, I joined Members in the House of Representatives to pass common sense gun safety legislation, approve bills that would lower food and fuel costs for hardworking Missouri families, and take necessary steps toward spurring economic development in underserved communities.

Below is a brief review of some important actions that I and my colleagues in Congress have taken recently.

House of Representatives Passes Bipartisan Package to Lower Food and Fuel Costs

Last week, I proudly voted in favor of H.R. 7606, the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, a package of bipartisan bills to combat inflation and reduce costs on Missouri families. The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act would do this by strengthening the food and agriculture supply chain, creating greater competition in the meat and poultry industries, and expanding access to cheaper biofuels known as E-15 or Unleaded 88.

As Americans continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the form of rising gas and food prices, know that combatting global inflation is a top priority for myself and the rest of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives. 

Although we passed this legislation in the House, it is important that my colleagues in the U.S. Senate not allow this bipartisan package of bills to die in the upper chamber while Missourians pay the price. 

It is imperative that we take action to alleviate price pressures on American farmers, ranchers, and the entire agriculture industry so that those cost savings can then be passed on to hardworking families at the supermarket, which is exactly what the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act would do.

This bill acknowledges Russia and Ukraine as major global producers of fertilizer, and works to offset the lack of supply by reducing America's dependence on foreign fertilizer production. Additionally, the legislation would bolster competition in the meat and poultry industry, which is overwhelmingly dominated by four companies, and alleviates supply chain bottlenecks that have empowered meatpacking giants to set bad prices for producers and consumers. Lastly, the bill would expand access to American-made ethanol grown by American farmers to make prices at the pump cheaper.

The House and I also passed the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act last week, which was signed into law by President Biden. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act cracks down on exorbitant fees from international ocean shipping companies that inflate the price on goods and strengthens our ocean shipping supply chains.

I know that global inflation is hitting Missourians hard--at the pump, in the grocery store, and on retail shelves--and I remain committed to passing bipartisan legislation that will lower costs for Missouri families.

House of Representatives Passes Chairman Cleaver's Bill to Spur Economic Development in Underserved Communities

In my last newsletter, I announced the passage of my CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act out of the House Committee on Financial Services, with hopes of it getting a vote in the whole House of Representatives. I am elated to share that my CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act was included in H.R. 2543, the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act, a package of several bills from the House Financial Services Committee focused on promoting racial and economic justice that successfully passed the House last week.

As a refresher, the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act would stimulate greater economic development in underserved communities by reauthorizing the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program for four years and implementing reforms to ensure smaller Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can access the program, giving support to more community development projects in the most economically distressed areas. 

I am particularly proud that my bipartisan bill was included in the bill passed by the House of Representatives because it would help spur much-needed economic development in rural, minority, and low-income communities by providing stability to the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program and lowering the minimum issuance threshold from $100 million to $25 million to allow more CDFIs to participate in this successful program.

House Passes Bill Aimed At Reducing Gun Violence in Our Communities

In the wake of the terrible mass shootings in places like Buffalo, Uvalde, and, sadly, many more, House Democrats have been working hard to pass substantive legislation to combat the rising tide of gun violence. Thoughts and prayers are not an adequate response to the burgeoning gun violence impacting communities throughout the nation. 

That's why we passed H.R. 2377, the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, which authorizes and establishes procedures for federal courts to issue federal extreme risk protection orders. A federal extreme risk protection order is a federal court order that prohibits a person from purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition. 

A family or household member, or a law enforcement officer, may petition for a federal extreme risk protection order with respect to an individual who poses a risk to themselves or others. The bill also expands the categories of persons who are prohibited from purchasing, shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition. Specifically, it adds, as a new category, persons who are subject to an extreme risk protection order.

The House of Representatives also passed H.R. 7910, the Protecting Our Kids Act. This bill is comprised of seven proposals that would:

Raise the age for buying semi-automatic weapons to 21;
Ban high-capacity magazines and bump stocks;
Crack down on gun trafficking;
Close the ghost-gun loophole; and
Strengthen safe storage requirements.

Because addressing this issue is so critical, and its impact is felt in nearly every community, I hosted a Tele-Town Hall with a representative from Everytown for Gun Safety to answer pertinent questions and address concerns held by residents of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. The Tele-Town Hall was attended by a record number of constituents and generated thoughtful discussion about how we can collectively navigate the issue of gun violence in our country. You can listen to a recording of the call here.

Since that call, I'm thrilled to announce that the U.S. Senate is on the cusp of passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a bipartisan proposal that would invest in mental health care, close the boyfriend loophole that still allows domestic abusers to obtain firearms, incentivize individual states to implement their own extreme risk protection order laws, and more. 

Although this proposal does not go as far as I would hope in keeping weapons of war out of the hands of dangerous individuals, it is unquestionably an important step in the right direction. Should it make its way over to the House of Representatives, I will proudly support it--and then keep pushing for further action.