Today Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District joined 76 of her House colleagues in writing a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis that asks him to outline his plan for reforming how the Air Force and other branches of the military submit information to the National Criminal Information Center (NCIS) database.

The Representatives wrote the letter after the Air Force confirmed its failure to submit the conviction record of Devin Kelley, the Sutherland Springs shooter who murdered 26 churchgoers on Nov. 5, to the NCIS database.

The text of the letter is posted below.

The Honorable James Mattis

Secretary

U.S. Department of Defense

Washington, DC 22202

Dear Secretary Mattis:

Gun violence has a devastating impact on our communities. Every day, 30 people die as a result of gun violence. These deaths are preventable. We, as a Nation, should be doing everything in our power to put an end to these senseless acts.

The first line of defense in preventing gun violence, is a strong background check system.  Everyday background checks are used they stop more than 170 felons, some 50 domestic abusers, and nearly 20 fugitives from buying a gun.  However, the system only works, however, when relevant information is added in a timely and accurate manner.

That’s why it was shocking to learn that the Air Force failed to submit Devin Kelley’s conviction record to the National Criminal Information Center database. As a result, Mr. Kelley was able to obtain a firearm and murder 26 people in a church on Sunday, November 5th. The inaction on the part of the Air Force is inexcusable.

Why was the record not submitted? How many additional records have yet to be submitted? What is your plan to ensure that all relevant records will be submitted and by when? We look forward to a timely response.

Sincerely,