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Gun Violence Prevention

Our nation is in the midst of a gun violence epidemic, and this is painfully evident in Chicago. In July 2022, our community was rocked by a mass shooting in Highland Park. This tragedy brought to light the need for strengthened and enhanced gun control legislation. The tragedy of gun violence in America is compounded by another tragedy in Washington, DC: congressional inaction. That is why I have refused to stand by idly while thousands of Americans die each year.

Since coming to Congress, I have been proud to sponsor and cosponsor legislation across a wide variety of gun violence prevention reforms. In particular, I have supported measures including requiring mandatory background checks on 100 percent of gun sales; limiting the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines; improving the National Instant Background Check System to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill; implementing buyback programs; and requiring tougher penalties for criminals caught trafficking guns across state lines. 

During the 117th Congress, I cosponsored more than 25 gun measures specifically focused on gun violence prevention. On March 11, 2021, I joined 226 of my colleagues in passing H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which would require background checks on all gun sales. I was also proud to vote to pass the Assault Weapons Ban, which would outlaw military-style semi-automatic weapons that have exacerbated the level of carnage and increased the casualties of each heartbreaking attack. Finally, I joined 222 of my colleagues in passing the Protecting our Kids Act, H.R. 7910, to increase the age limit on the purchase of certain firearms, prevent gun trafficking, modernize the prohibition on untraceable firearms, encourage safe storage, and other critical measures.  

In the 118th Congress, I became Vice-Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. My resolve to address gun violence and pass legislation to end the constant fear experienced in our communities remains stronger than ever.