"Each year, countless individuals are victims of senseless and avoidable gun violence. My colleagues and I in the Senate Democratic Conference have continuously pushed for tougher measures on a state level that will ensure that our gun violence is curbed. However, more must be done on a national level. Today I sent a letter urging United States Senators to increase gun control measures by requiring background checks and record-keeping on all U.S. gun sales. As legislators, we must do all that we can to ensure that our constituents, the people of New York and the people of this Nation, are kept safe."

Read the full letter below.