A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

As we begin June, a month dedicated to raising awareness about gun violence prevention, I am thinking about how this issue profoundly affects our communities, our state, and our country. To be sure, Gun Violence Awareness Month is a time to reflect and remember the lives we have lost due to guns, but it is also a time to engage and take bold action as we work to end the epidemic of senseless gun violence.

Before coming to Congress, I worked as the deputy director of intergovernmental affairs at the White House — working directly with leaders at the state and local level. In that role, I was often the first person to speak with a local official after a mass shooting tore apart their community. I will never forget the anguish expressed on those calls, a nightmare scenario turned into reality for public servants — whether Democrats or Republicans alike — who were entrusted with protecting the public’s safety.

Gun violence is a national emergency in part because of the massive amounts of illegal guns flooding our streets. One of the reasons it has gotten worse is due to gun disposal companies that claim to destroy firearms, when in reality, they only destroy one part of the weapon before reselling the rest as a kit. This contributes to the rise of “zombie guns” in our communities, which is why I am proud to co-lead H.R. 7746, the Destroy Zombie Guns Act. This bill that would save lives by forcing gun disposal companies to destroy the entire gun. It goes hand in hand with an letter that I recently led urging the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to ensure that all firearm parts are destroyed in gun buy-back programs to prevent the unintended rise in these untraceable guns.

In addition to these efforts, I am proud to co-sponsor several pieces of legislation: H.R. 698, the Assault Weapons Ban, H.R. 715, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, H.R. 660, Ethan's Law, and H.R. 396, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act. These efforts would build on President Joe Biden's landmark, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which was the first gun safety legislation signed into law in a generation.

As we observe Gun Violence Awareness Month, let us continue to build momentum to protect the communities we all share. By working together, we can — and we will — realize a future where gun violence in America is a thing of the past.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

Do you support greater action to protect communities from gun violence?

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Connecting Rhode Island & Washington

Summer is always one of the busiest seasons for travel, and if you're thinking of taking a trip abroad, the State Department encourages you make sure that your passport is valid. Please go to State Department's website to obtain the latest processing times and requirements for renewals. And as always, should you encounter any issues or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Pawtucket office by calling (401) 729-5600. We are here to help ensure your travel plans proceed smoothly without unnecessary delays.
	As warmer weather arrives in New England, the Environmental Protection Agency urges residents in Rhode Island to use the Woonasquatucket River responsibly. Please keep the following in mind: Do not eat fish, other wildlife, or plants from the river. Do not dig into the riverbanks. Do not swim in the shallow water or swim in the river. Do obey the warning signs posted along the river. Our river is a popular spot, and while progress has been made in cleaning up dioxin-contaminated areas, it is important to remain informed. Activities near the river, as well as paddling a canoe or kayak, are safe — but please remember to wash thoroughly after any contact with the river water, sediment, or soil.
This week, I joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse as well as Representative Seth Magaziner in announcing $40.7 million dollars in federal funding over the next two years to improve access to behavioral and mental health services. This funding, which is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, will strengthen our state's network of mental health care and substance abuse centers. It will ensure that more Rhode Islanders can access the timely support and treatment they need. You can read more about this announcement HERE.

Connecting with Rhode Islanders

At last weekend’s Barrington Arts Festival, I enjoyed meeting local artists and engaging with them on my work in Congress. Seeing the creativity and talent of local artisans, joyful sounds of musicians & performers, and tasty treats from food vendors inspires me to continue to support the arts through legislation.

Portuguese-Americans have a rich history in Rhode Island and I was thrilled that I could recognize their contributions at Newport's third-annual Day of Portugal flag raising ceremony. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I support the Portuguese Discovery Monument in Newport as it celebrates the history, cultural bonds, and economic ties that our two countries share.

In Congress, I am proud to uplift and celebrate the talents of Special Olympics Rhode Island athletes like my friend Derrek, who set a new powerlifting record! Huge thanks to the thousands of Special Olympics volunteers & attendees who made the Summer Games a success I am already looking forward to next year’s games!

In a Q&A with students last week, I said that one of the best parts of my work in Congress was meeting Americans who inspire others. As a member of Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I was honored to welcome the crew of NASA astronauts on Artemis II who will soon take one giant leap towards returning the U.S. to the moon.

I appreciated the chance to visit the Varieur School in Pawtucket and discuss my work in Congress! Principal Boucher was recently named the Rhode Island Association of School Principals (RIASP) Principal of the Year. Glad I could thank her — and other faculty members — for their work to prepare students for all-important jump to middle school!

As we mark 80 years since GIs turned the tide of WWII, I’m thinking of Woonsocket’s Richard Fazzio who valiantly stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the more than 2,400 Americans who gave their lives to defend democracy. We honor their sacrifice by making sure that every veteran of every conflict can access the health care and benefits that they have bravely earned.

Amo Highlights Rhode Island Jobs and Blue Economy Leadership in NOAA Budget Hearing

This week I spoke about the recent groundbreaking for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Operations Center-Atlantic at Naval Station Newport at a House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Environment budget hearing titled “An Overview of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2025” featuring the NOAA Administrator, Dr. Rick Spinrad.

This facility is a critical initiative to solidify Rhode Island’s leadership in the blue economy. As part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the design and construction of the facility is funded in part by the largest-ever investment in climate, the Inflation Reduction Act. In addition to discussing the new facility, I also elevated a request I received from third graders in our district by questioning Dr. Spinrad on strengthening NOAA’s efforts to protect the North Atlantic right whale through the federal rulemaking process.

Video of full hearing exchange HERE

If you need help with personal casework: Contact the district office in Pawtucket: 1070 Main Street, Suite 300 Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 729-5600 Fax: (401) 729-5608

If you need help with legislative issues: Contact the Washington, D.C. office: 2233 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4911 Fax: (202) 225-3290