In a nation where the right to live free from gun violence should be a basic human right, President Biden and I have taken significant steps to address this urgent issue. Through the enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, our administration is committed to tackling the epidemic of gun violence head-on.
Since President Biden entrusted me with overseeing the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, we have made strides in improving and expanding background checks to ensure the safety of all Americans. By closing the gun show loophole and introducing enhanced background checks for individuals under 21, we are taking crucial steps to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Furthermore, we have worked closely with law enforcement and courts to prevent abusive dating partners from accessing guns by closing the boyfriend loophole.
Here are some of the key actions and initiatives we have undertaken in the past year:
- Enhanced and expanded background checks to include individuals under 21.
- Closed the gun show loophole to prevent illegal firearm sales.
- Collaborated with law enforcement to keep guns away from abusive dating partners.
- Secured $1 billion for youth mental health programs to address the trauma of gun violence.
Moreover, the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention has provided invaluable support to states, cities, and local communities by launching initiatives such as the Resource Center for red flag laws, coordinating responses to mass shootings, and facilitating investments in community violence intervention programs.
It is imperative for state legislators and members of Congress to show courage in their actions by implementing universal background checks, passing red flag and safe storage laws, banning bump stocks, and renewing the Assault Weapons Ban. Our administration remains committed to supporting these efforts by continuing to implement the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and taking additional executive actions to combat gun violence at a grassroots level.
As someone who has witnessed the devastating impact of gun violence firsthand, I understand the urgency of this issue. We cannot afford to lose any more lives to senseless acts of violence. It is crucial that we stand together as a nation to address this epidemic and make our communities safer for everyone. Let us continue to work towards a future where every individual can live without the fear of gun violence.
Together, we can make a difference.
