I’ve also trained the next generation of surgeons who will treat victims and survivors of gun violence, and published peer-reviewed research about solutions. And in 2022, I helped Democratic leaders write and pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. That landmark bill extended background checks for gun purchasers under 21, provided funding for state red flag laws and community violence intervention programs, and partially closed the “boyfriend loophole.” This was an important first step to promote gun safety, but we have more work to do. 

We must take bold action in Washington to end the epidemic of gun violence. As a member of Congress, I will be a fierce advocate for gun safety reforms: 

• Reinstate the assault weapons ban: As an eighteen year-old cadet at the US Air Force Academy, I underwent weapons training on the M-16, the military version of the AR-15. At the end of a day of training, my weapon went into secure storage, not back to my dorm with me. Assault weapons are weapons of war that have no place in the hands of untrained civilians or on our streets. 

• Raise the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21 years old: Firearms are the leading cause of death for people ages 18-20, and this group commits firearm homicides at three times the rate of those 21 and older. Raising the age to purchase all weapons is a simple solution that will save thousands of lives. 

• Require universal background checks for all gun purchases.

• Invest in community violence prevention programs, especially in historically impoverished and underrepresented communities impacted by structural racism.

• Pass safe storage laws such as Ethan’s Law which is designed to enforce the safe storage of firearms and prevent access and unintentional shootings by children.

• Implement a national red flag law, which will help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.

• End immunity for gun manufacturers when their marketing and sales tactics lead to lethal consequences.

• Expand funding for gun violence prevention research so we can develop evidence-based reforms to keep our communities safe.