Twenty-five years ago last month, President Ronald Reagan and I were shot by a deranged gunman.

And for the first twenty of those years, we made real progress in reducing gun violence. But over the last five, you and I have watched as corrupt Congressional leaders - with support from the White House - have sold our country out to the NRA. That's why last month, on the 25th anniversary of my shooting, I helped launch the Campaign Against Illegal Guns.

We simply must stop the flow of illegal guns into the hands of criminals so that we can end the tragic toll of gun violence in our country once and for all.

Pushed by the NRA, Congress killed the federal Assault Weapons Ban. They voted to give special legal protection to reckless gun dealers. They even weakened the background checks in the landmark Brady Law that was named in my honor -- even though the Brady Law has stopped more than 1,300,000 criminals and prohibited purchasers from buying guns since it was enacted in 1994. And guess what? After a steady decline in gun deaths beginning in 1994, gun deaths began going back up in 2001. Big surprise, huh?

Sarah and Jim Brady testify at a hearing in Delaware last month.

It's time for it to stop.

The first milestone of the Campaign Against Illegal Guns is the November elections. You and I both know that we won't achieve meaningful change until we kick out all the lawmakers who care more about the NRA's money than the public's safety. The damage they have inflicted on our gun laws has made it far too easy for criminals, juveniles, and even international terrorists to buy firearms in America. This must stop.

The upcoming elections give us the opportunity to hold elected officials accountable for their attack on America's gun laws and on America's safety. And the Brady Campaign is working hard in targeted races across the country where we can have a real impact.

If you want to know more about the details for our Campaign Against Illegal Guns and our specific goals, please click here. You can read more about why illegal guns are such a terrible problem in the United States, what our specific legislative goals are, and much more.

We have a tremendous opportunity right now to put forth a proactive agenda to stop the flow of illegal guns and boot the NRA's cronies out of office who stand in the way of passing our lifesaving solutions.

I've been fighting for a safer America for a quarter-century now. Whenever I feel worn out or discouraged, I think of the indomitable fighting spirit of loyal friends like you and my own spirits are immediately lifted. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Sincerely,