Underwood Pushes Gun Control Legislation

BATAVIA – U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood is promoting gun legislation now stalled in Congress, hoping to pressure Senate Republicans into action. Underwood, D-Naperville, convened a gathering June 23 at Batavia City Hall, where she met with local elected officials and gun violence prevention advocacy groups. The freshman lawmaker, representing the state’s 14th Congressional District, was promoting two pieces of legislation that would toughen background checks on gun purchases. Both bills, approved by the House earlier this year, are stuck because Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refuses to call them for a vote, Underwood said. “We need to dial up the pressure on Mitch McConnell,” Underwood said.