Rep. Summer Lee Condemns GOP Focus on Gun Industry Protections Over Saving Lives in Oversight Hearing

(FULL VIDEO)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - MAY 15, 2026 - Yesterday, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, challenged Republicans during a House Oversight hearing examining ATF policy, firearm trace data protections, and the Tiahrt Amendment.

"I have to wonder what it will actually take to get my Republican colleagues to take action to prevent gun violence," said Rep. Lee. "Because Columbine wasn't enough, Sandy Hook wasn't enough, Las Vegas wasn't enough, Parkland wasn't enough, Pulse Nightclub wasn't enough, even your President being allegedly shot at multiple different times wasn't enough."

Rep. Lee criticized the hearing's focus on privacy protections for gun dealers rather than efforts to reduce gun violence, while pointing to the scale of the crisis and the Trump administration's recent actions weakening gun violence prevention efforts.

"Yet this hearing with the new Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives isn't about reducing gun violence, it's about privacy protections for gun dealers. Trump and Republicans have shown again and again that they do not care about this epidemic of gun violence. After a shooting, they, at most, post online some thoughts and prayers and then go back to vehemently defending the 2nd amendment. They even mock these tragedies by wearing assault rifle pins," Lee said.

During questioning, Lee pushed back on Republican claims surrounding firearm trace data and underscored the importance of gun tracing as a tool to combat illegal gun trafficking.

Lee also raised concerns about ATF's recently proposed rules affecting firearm requirements and federally licensed firearms dealers, questioning whether gun industry groups were consulted while victims, survivors, and gun violence prevention organizations were left out.

"Our government should not be bending over backwards to do favors for and protect the gun industry. Especially as gun violence remains the leading cause of death for kids and teens. And that on average, more than 300 people are shot and nearly 130 individuals are killed by guns every day in this country," Lee said. "Director Cekada, I will be sending you a letter with additional concerns and questions I have around this rule making process. I urge you to reconsider these regulations and remember your mission: to keep the American people safe."

Rep. Lee has been a leading voice in Congress for evidence-based gun violence prevention and community safety investments. She is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Community Safety Caucus, which advances a public health-centered approach to violence prevention and community wellbeing. She has championed a comprehensive Community Safety Agenda, reintroduced the People's Response Act, and led efforts in Congress to invest in community-based violence intervention programs, expand mental health resources, and address the root causes of violence. Rep. Lee has also worked closely with local partners in Western Pennsylvania to support proven strategies that reduce gun violence and strengthen public safety.

To view the full committee hearing, please click here.

Congresswoman Summer Lee serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Since taking office in January 2023, shehas delivered historic levels of federal investment totaling over $2.7 Billion brought back to Western PA, including over $580 million for infrastructure, over $110 million for affordable transit, over $500 million to keep clean energy manufacturing at home in Pennsylvania, and over $55 million on clean energy efforts in and around schools to help keep our kids and communities safe. These investments will help improve Western Pennsylvania's infrastructure and transit, ensure cleaner air and drinking water, lower housing costs, fund research institutions, fuel clean manufacturing, fund STEM innovation and entrepreneurship, boost workforce development, and create thousands of good paying union jobs.  Lee and her team have also delivered casework and constituent services to over 4,000 constituents with issues ranging from helping our seniors and disabled community access Medicare and social security to helping folks secure housing and helping families with immigration support and passports.