INTERVIEW – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Kirk Cox

• Gov. Ralph Northam will convene special session of Virginia legislature to take up gun control.   RICHMOND — Gov. Ralph Northam (D) is calling lawmakers back to Richmond for a special session of the General Assembly to take up a package of gun-control bills in the wake of Friday’s mass shooting in Virginia Beach. “We must do more than give our thoughts and prayers,” Northam said Tuesday, indicating that he will schedule the session for late June. “We must give Virginians the action they deserve.”
• Statement of House Speaker Kirk Cox on Special Session: Republicans will put forward package of legislation to toughen penalties and mandatory minimums for those who use firearms to commit crimes. Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Kirk Cox released the following statement Tuesday after Governor Ralph Northam announced he would call a Special Session following the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach.  “The terrible shooting that occurred in Virginia Beach just four days ago is still painfully fresh for everyone, especially the 12 families that lost loved ones. First and foremost, we continue to pray for the victims, thank the first responders, and extend our gratitude to law enforcement for their dedication to the safety of that community.  “The Governor’s call to Special Session is hasty and suspect when considered against the backdrop of the last few months. While the Governor can call a special session, he cannot specify what the General Assembly chooses to consider or how we do our work. We intend to use that time to take productive steps to address gun violence by holding criminals accountable with tougher sentences — including mandatory minimums.