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Gun Violence

It is terrible each time our nation witnesses another act of gun violence.

As the only advanced nation in the world that suffers from a seemingly unending string of mass shootings, it is clear Congress should take reasonable steps to address this public health crisis and ensure our communities are safe. Zoe supported the creation of a Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention in the House to examine our existing firearms purchaser background check system as well as other methods to prevent and reduce gun violence. However, the Republican leadership has so far refused to act, and has repeatedly blocked the House from debating these measures despite Democrats' continued calls.

Zoe has cosponsored a number of bills to support commonsense reforms to ensure all Americans are safe and secure from gun violence:

Assault Weapons and Automatic Fire Bans:

Zoe is an original cosponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban which would prohibit individuals and manufacturers from selling and obtaining semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns as well as high-capacity magazines. This bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, where Zoe serves.

Zoe is also a cosponsor of the Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act which would ban the manufacture and sale of bump stocks that were used in the Las Vegas attack.

Universal Background Checks:

The Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act would require background checks to be completed for all commercial gun sales to prevent domestic abusers and felons from obtaining firearms through gun shows or over the internet where background checks are currently not needed.

Zoe is also a cosponsor of the Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act and Gun Safety: Not Sorry Act. These bills would address existing gaps in our background check system.

Gun Violence Restraining Order Act:

In many recent mass shootings, community members noted warning signs beforehand but there was nothing they could do to remove the shooter's access to guns before the tragedy. The Gun Violence Restraining Order Act would allow family and law enforcement officials to prevent an individual who may pose a threat to themselves or those around them from possessing a firearm.

Gun Violence Research:

Zoe has repeatedly called for the consideration of sensible gun safety legislation, including in a letter to House Leadership urging them to reject any provision that effectively prevents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from conducting meaningful research into gun violence in the United States.

Zoe is a cosponsor of the Gun Violence Research Act which would lift the existing provision, known as the "Dickey Amendment," that prohibits the CDC from conducting scientific research into gun violence. She also supports full funding of gun violence research at the CDC.

Unfortunately, in the face of tragedy after tragedy - the Republican majority in the House has refused to allow a vote on any of these commonsense reforms. Despite this, it is important to continue efforts to put in place reasonable laws that will do more to ensure the safety of our communities.

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