Robin Kelly releases congressional report on reducing gun violence

WASHINGTON (WLS) -- A call to action was made Monday for Congress to help stop the gun violence plaguing Chicago and other cities across the United States.

Chicago area Congresswoman Robin Kelly released a first of its kind congressional analysis of the problem.

United States Representative Robin Kelly wants the gun violence to end and has plan make that happen.

"The report is not anti-gun, its pro common sense," she said.

Monday, the south suburban Democrat released the 2014 report on gun violence in America at news conference at the Dirksen Federal Building.

The first-ever by a member of congress is an analysis of the nation's gun violence epidemic and a blueprint for ending the crisis.

"It is a public health crisis and its coming to a neighborhood near you whether you think so or not," Kelly said.

The recommendations of the 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America propose the following:

Yolan Corner, who lost her daughter Nova Henry and granddaughter Ava to gun violence, supports Kelly's efforts.

"I think Congresswoman Kelly has actually made a blueprint of solutions to come instead of just talking she's been putting in the work."

The report focuses on reducing gun violence through gun control and highlights local community based strategies like Chicago's after-school and summer jobs initiatives.

"Chicago is not an island, it needs a level playing field," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Kelly, who was elected in 2013 to replaced Jesse Jackson Junior in the 2nd Congressional District, is so committed to the issue that she has refused to stand for moments of silence for gun violence victims acknowledged in congress.

"So why don't I stand up with other house members anymore? Because then we sit down and we do nothing," she said. "Victims of families don't need more silence. they need for us to stand up and speak out."

Kelly says she is not deterred by the National Rifle Association's successful efforts against new gun laws.

The lawmakers say national polls show 90 percent of Americans and 74 percent of all NRA members support expanded background checks.

Kelly, along with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has introduced the Crime Gun Tracing Act, which could help reveal how guns get into the hands of criminals.

To view the report: http://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/2014-kelly-report-gun-violence-in-america.