Common-Sense Gun Safety

Gun violence is an epidemic in this country, and it’s long past time we take meaningful action to address it. Every year, tens of thousands of Americans lose their lives to gun violence, and countless more are injured. While I respect the Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners, we must implement common-sense measures to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and reduce the devastating toll on our communities.

One of the most effective steps is requiring universal background checks on all gun sales, including private sales and those at gun shows or online. Dangerous loopholes in the current system allow individuals like domestic abusers or convicted felons to purchase firearms without proper vetting. Universal background checks are supported by a majority of Americans, including gun owners, and have been proven to reduce firearm homicides. Closing these loopholes at the federal level is a critical step toward saving lives.

I also support implementing red flag laws, which allow law enforcement or family members to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. These laws have already proven effective in states where they’ve been enacted, helping prevent both suicides and mass shootings. Expanding red flag laws nationwide will give families and law enforcement a vital tool to stop tragedies before they happen.

We also need stronger child access prevention laws to ensure firearms are stored securely and kept out of the hands of children and teens. Safe storage laws have been shown to reduce accidental shootings and suicides among young people, and they are a simple yet effective way to prevent avoidable tragedies.

I believe we must hold gun manufacturers accountable for their role in perpetuating this crisis by repealing liability protections that shield them from responsibility when their products are used irresponsibly or unlawfully.

Gun violence is not an unsolvable problem—it’s a public health crisis that demands urgent action. By enacting universal background checks, red flag laws, safe storage requirements, and accountability measures for the gun industry, we can save lives while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. It’s time for Congress to prioritize the safety of our communities over special interests—we owe it to every family affected by this crisis to act now.