LYFT Lyft Inc

By Micah Maidenberg 

Chief executives of dozens of companies ranging from Levi Strauss & Co. to Uber Technologies Inc. sent a letter to members of the Senate asking them to pass new legislation to prevent gun violence.

The letter asks Senators to pass legislation requiring background checks on gun sales and said failing to take action on the issue is unacceptable, a copy of the letter received by The Wall Street Journal shows.

"We are writing to you because we have a responsibility and obligation to stand up for the safety of our employees, customers and all Americans in the communities we serve across the country," the letter says.

Signatories to the letter include the CEOs of Uber and Levi Strauss, as well as Lyft Inc., Royal Carribbean Cruises Ltd. and warehouse company Prologis Inc.

In February, members of the House passed legislation that expanded background checks to nearly all gun sales.

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said the Senate would take up gun legislation that he said President Trump would sign.

The letter from the chief executives also urged senators to back so-called red-flag legislation. At the state level, red-flag bills allow courts to temporarily take guns from people deemed dangerous.

Write to Micah Maidenberg at micah.maidenberg@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 12, 2019 08:39 ET (12:39 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2019 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.