LITTLE ROCK – Almost two weeks following the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history in which Florida resident Omar Mateen killed 49 and wounded over 50 others, Conner Eldridge today released a comprehensive plan for making our country more secure from terrorist threats. Eldridge expressed frustration and disappointment with Washington's inaction in the weeks following the Orlando shooting, also emphasizing his use of the "white-board approach" to governing, putting politics aside and finding common-sense solutions to combat acts of terror our communities face.
"Recent terrorists attacks -- like the one in Orlando -- bring to light a whole host of issues - issues of terror, crime, hate, and mental health," said Eldridge. "As a former U.S. Attorney, I come to these issues from the perspective of a prosecutor. We need to cut through any distractions - political noise or whatever it may be - focus our attention on the real issues, and find commonsense solutions. That is what I've done here today."
"It has been disappointing for me and others across Arkansas and America to watch as the largest domestic attack in our country's history goes unanswered. Washington was unable to put politics aside and get something done that would make an attack like this less likely in the future. It's more-than frustrating -- it's deplorable."
Eldridge released his proposal on his campaign's website on Friday. It may be found on his website.
The plan sets forth six key goals:
1. Defeat ISIS and Radical Islamic Terrorists
2. Improve Funding for Law Enforcement to Fight Domestic Terrorism
3. Close the Terror Gap and Stop Terrorists from Obtaining Resources and Weapons They Need to Carry Out Attacks
4. Promote Second Amendment Rights of Law-Abiding Citizens and Improve the Background Check System
5. Strengthen our Approach to Mental Healthcare in America
6. Promote Equality and Protect our Hate-Crime Laws
"We must confront the challenges we face in all six of these areas with leadership and action," Eldridge said. "These are not Democratic ideas or Republican ideas. They are common-sense ideas that make our country safer."
"Coming up with solutions to horrific tragedies is not 'playing politics' as my opponent has suggested -- it is leading," Eldridge continued. "Up to this point Sen. Boozman has remained silent. He has not spoken up, and he has not engaged in this debate. As a U.S. Senator, you should have the conviction and leadership to step up, have an intellectually-honest discussion about how to confront big issues, and then fight for those solutions in Washington. I will continue to collaborate with those in law enforcement, those in both the public and private sector, and community leaders to develop all possible strategies to confront this issue head on."