Before the late 1990s, laws regulating firearms were in place and American citizens did not feel threatened by gun violence. During the George W. Bush administration, gun regulations were allowed to lapse. Gun manufacturers and the NRA were responsible for lobbying members of Congress to vote for gun legislation that protects the gun industry from litigation. Currently, a faction of our congressional leaders fails to support commonsense gun legislation.

The Fox News Poll Axios completed in October 2023 concluded that a clear majority of about six in 10 Americans currently support a ban on assault weapons. Statista Research Department findings published in November 2023 state two-thirds of Americans favor a ban on assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons as a measure to reduce gun violence. An overwhelming 90% of Americans support requiring criminal background checks on all gun buyers. The support is statistically equal between Democrats and Republicans.

In March 2024 Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that President Biden and Vice President Harris supported. Biden followed up with additional executive orders to support commonsense gun legislation. Their position to ban the sale of assault weapons is clear. A Pew Research poll found 63% of Americans want Congress to take more sweeping measures on gun control in light of the continued wave of mass shootings.

Gun violence is the greatest killer of American children, exceeding vehicular accidents and disease. When it comes time to vote, be there! Vote for legislators and a president who will stand strong to support commonsense gun legislation.

Sandra Fennell

Murrysville

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