BIPARTISAN CONSENSUS: Giffords Endorses House Members Who Backed Key Gun Safety Priorities
These representatives have demonstrated that bipartisan collaboration can achieve landmark gun safety victories
July 15, 2020 — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, endorsed Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Chris Smith (NJ-04) in their bids for reelection to the US House of Representatives. Both members are original cosponsors of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, who have consistently stood up to the gun lobby by supporting gun safety legislation while similarly opposing concealed carry reciprocity—the top priority for the National Rifle Association.
Statement from former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords:
“Brian Fitzpatrick and Chris Smith have shown the courage and bipartisan commitment to stand up for gun safety and oppose the NRA’s agenda. When an overwhelming majority of Americans demanded universal background checks, they answered the call to protect our communities from the epidemic of gun violence. At a time when Washington seems more divided than ever, these champions proved it’s still possible to pass real, bipartisan reform to build a stronger, safer America. Giffords is proud to support these leaders in their fight for meaningful change.”
Today’s Giffords Endorsements include:
- Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has represented Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District since 2019. Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Fitzpatrick was an FBI supervisory special agent, focusing on counterterrorism measures and ending political corruption at home and abroad. Additionally, Fitzpatrick served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, a role which involved prosecuting violent gun offenders. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick knows that supporting the Second Amendment and advocating for commonsense gun safety are not mutually exclusive. His prosecutorial experience has granted him unique insight to the importance of passing gun safety measures. Congressman Fitzpatrick was an original co-sponsor of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. He has supported bills to enact extreme risk laws, close loopholes to prevent convicted domestic abusers and stalkers from accessing guns, and allow the FBI more time to complete background checks. Congressman Fitzpatrick’s voting record demonstrates his commitment to gun violence prevention in Pennsylvania’s First District and our country as a whole.
- Chris Smith (NJ-04) Congressman Chris Smith was born and raised in New Jersey, and he has represented New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District since 1981. Prior to his time in Congress, Smith worked in his family’s sporting goods business. In Congress, Smith ranks second out of all House Members in introducing bills that actually become law, demonstrating his keen ability to work across the aisle to get things done. His voting record reveals his tireless commitment to enacting bipartisan gun safety legislation. He was an original cosponsor of H.R. 8, the 2019 House-passed universal background checks bill. Additionally, Congressman Smith has voted in favor of legislation to address the Charleston loophole. He also supports extreme risk laws and prohibiting convicted domestic abusers and stalkers from purchasing guns. New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District can count on Congressman Smith to continue advocating for commonsense gun safety measures.