An area lawmaker will continue in her leadership role on the U.S. House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.  5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty will continue to serve as one of eleven vice chairs during this new session of Congress.  Esty says the scourge of gun violence is devastating communities while Congress has shamefully failed to act on common sense reforms.

The Task Force is calling for expanded background checks and stricter punishments for illegal gun trafficking and straw purchasing.  Esty says these proposals will protect the 2nd amendment rights of lawful gun owners, while keeping people safe.  She says children's safety doesn't have a "D" or an "R" after it and shouldn't be a partisan issue.

Many of the leaders of the task force represent districts marred by gun violence, including Aurora ,CO and Columbine, CO.