I was shot 14 years ago today. Let's build on progress made to reduce gun violence.

There’s nothing like the beginning of a new Congress. Much like students starting a school year, the air is thick with excitement, but also uncertainty. You’ll find yourself standing on the floor of the House with 434 colleagues from every corner of the country — many of whom you have nothing in common with but the fact that you are in that room together. 

But I haven’t been a member on the House floor in a long time. Fourteen years ago today, I was shot in the head because a dangerous man was able to buy a gun.