As Americans we are no strangers to hate-fueled rhetoric.

One of my first priorities as a new member of Congress in 2019 was to visit the CDC and learn firsthand about what they needed to help protect Americans. After my visit, I learned their budget had previously been cut, and that they needed funding to modernize their data systems to help prevent pandemics and other public health crises.

While our country has made great strides, the Jewish community is still the target of anti-Semitism, and we must continue to stand against all forms of hate, violence, and bigotry.

We know that gun violence disproportionately affects Black people in this country, and that was no exception with my son Jordan.

Donald Trump is correct when he suggests that African-Americans are outraged by gun violence.

I know parents across America remain sick with worry about the safety of their children. I feel that anguish.

Background checks will never stop every criminal from getting their hands on a gun and every single act of gun violence - but the evidence is clear that it's the single most effective policy to help keep guns out of dangerous hands and save lives.

I grew up in Illinois in an environment where my parents were very politically active in the civil rights movement.

The last thing we need in Missouri is more violence and strife in our communities.