Rep. Linda Sánchez Announces Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

Southland representative Linda T. Sanchez announced today she has introduced federal legislation designed to help law enforcement agencies develop firearm buyback programs and prevent firearm violence.

Sanchez, D-Whittier, unveiled The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act of 2013, HR 793, during a news conference at the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau, accompanied by Sheriff Lee Baca and other officials.

"For far too long, we have watched gun violence shatter lives of thousands of families every year, and it is time to stand up and protect our children and our communities," Sanchez said.

The legislation would establish a grant program with the Department of Justice in which grants would be eligible to state, tribal, and local units of government and law enforcement agencies to carry out anti-violence campaigns, gun safety campaigns, and firearms buyback programs.

"My gun buyback program has been very successful in Los Angeles County," Baca said. "I appreciate Congresswoman Linda Sanchez supporting this program and endeavoring to make our country safer from gun violence."

Sanchez represents the 38th District, which includes the cities of Cerritos and Artesia.