Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) said on Sunday that the “world has heard” the survivors of a deadly shooting at a Florida high school who are calling for action from Congress.
“The difference this time is that these kids — you’ve spoken to them — the world has heard them, they’re just not going to sit back after what they experienced, after what they saw, the worst things imaginable, they’re not going to just sit back and take it,” Deutch said on ABC’s “This Week.”
“They’re going to stand up for their lives, that’s what this is about, and all of the excuses that are normally given about not getting things done and the difficulty of fighting outside groups and the gun lobby, none of that is as powerful as these students,” he added.
Deutch represents Parkland, Fla., where a gunman last Wednesday opened fire at a high school, killing 17 people and wounding 14 others.
{mosads}Survivors have spoken out following the mass shooting, calling for Congress to take action and criticizing lawmakers who take donations from the National Rifle Association.
“Let me just say what these students have already done is to have inspired their friends and fellow high school students and college students around the country, that’s why it will be different,” Deutch said.
He added that lawmakers will be questioned on their support for universal background checks, stopping those on the terror watch list from buying guns and banning assault riles.
“All I’ve heard all week is how frustrated people are with rhetoric,” he added.
“I can tell you what these kids have told me. … They want action.”