FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jenna Kohler
Phone: (202) 727-7890
Email: jenna.kohler@dc.gov

Senator Strauss Outraged at McCain-Tester Gun Legislation

April 27, 2010

Senator Paul Strauss is outraged by the attempt by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and John Tester (D-MT) to legislate the District’s gun laws. The “Second Amendment Enforcement Act,” is similar to the amendment that had been tacked onto the House Voting Rights Act which fell out last week.

Not only is this attempt at introducing gun legislation for the District of Columbia dangerous to the District’s safety, it is yet another strike against the District’s autonomy.

“It is unfortunate that in this political and economic climate that Senators from states so geographically far from the District would put this much energy and focus on laws that the District has supported since their inception,” said Senator Strauss.

As it stands, the legislation attempts to unravel some of the District’s most important gun-laws, including the ban on semi-automatic weapons which the “Second Amendment Enforcement Act” would repeal.

“I hope that the Senators who value safety in our Nation’s Capital more than NRA contributions will join me in denouncing such a blatant attack on the self-determination of the residents of the District of Columbia.”

DC Congressional Delegation mourns the passing of former US Representative Ray Browne

February 19, 2010

Family and friends gathered to pay their last respects to DC’s former US Representative Ray Browne.  In addition to numerous family, friends and relatives who gathered Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at Georgetown’s Holy Trinity Church, the late Representative Browne was honored by the complete membership of the incumbent  DC  Congressional Delegation:

Along with all of the former occupants of the office of United States Representative for the District of Columbia:

Senator Strauss remembered the late Ray Browne’s work as a US Representative, furthering DC’s movement towards full Congressional Representation and eventual statehood.  The DC flag flew at half-mast Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 honoring the service and memory of DC’s longest serving US Representative.

Senator Strauss statement on passing of former US Representative Ray Browne

Senator Paul Strauss issued the following statement on the occasion of former US Representative Ray Browne’s passing.

“I was very saddened to hear about former United States Representative Ray Browne’s death.  DC has lost a powerful and sincere voice in it’s struggle for equality.  I had the privilege of working very closely with Ray during his tenure in office and knew him to be a tireless activist for all things DC; especially when it concerned the issue of D.C. Voting Rights in the U.S. House of Representatives.    I first got to know Ray when we both worked together for DC’s youth during his services as a member of the District’s Neighborhood Planning Councils (NPC #6).  We each went on to serve our community as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner’s before joining the DC shadow Congressional Delegation.

Ray’s continued activism and commitment to our cause is one in which all DC residents can look to with great admiration.  Although he passed before his dream of DC’s House Voting Rights could be realized, his legacy will continue serve as a catalyst for the movement.

Ray Browne was first elected in 2000 and continued to serve two more consecutive terms.  He has the historic distinction of being the longest serving shadow United States Representative in the District of Columbia history.  He was preceded by the Honorable Thomas E. Bryant, Jr. and was succeeded by incumbent Representative Mike Panetta.  Ray Browne’s passing marks the first death of a member of the Shadow Delegation.”

Paul Strauss

Paul Strauss is currently serving his third term as US Senator from the District of Columbia (Shadow). As a non-voting representative to the US Senate, Strauss lobbies the U Senate and the US House of Representatives on behalf of the citizens of DC in their attempt to gain full Federal representation, self-determination, and eventually admittance to the union as the nation’s 51st state. The Senator also works closely with our non-voting Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, the Mayor and the DC Council members to advance the interest of local residents on Federal issues.

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