In the time since the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Democrats at all levels have called for the passage of common-sense gun safety laws. Washington State Democratic Party Chair Tina Podlodowski echoed that sentiment, and issued the following statement Tuesday on the GOP’s lack of action, particularly from Republican top-of-ticket candidate Tiffany Smiley:

“More than a week since one of the most devastating and heinous mass shootings in our country’s history, Tiffany Smiley had nothing to offer but thoughts and prayers. Students, parents, and teachers want action, not just well wishes, in the wake of a tragedy such as this. We need leaders in the Senate who have the courage to support common-sense gun safety legislation, like a ban on assault weapons and universal background checks — measures the vast majority of voters in Washington state support. It’s clear Tiffany Smiley would be a rubber stamp for Mitch McConnell’s do-nothing agenda on the gun violence epidemic in America.”

In contrast, Sen. Patty Murray — a strong, long-time advocate for common-sense gun reform — issued a statement immediately following news of the shooting, and took to the Senate floor that next day to urge her colleagues to act and put an end to gun violence in the U.S.