Underwood Helps Secure $25 Million Investment for Gun Violence Prevention Research
First time in more than two decades Congress approves funding to study gun violence
WASHINGTON— For the first time in more than two decades, legislation championed by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) to commit federal investments to study gun violence was signed into law. The legislation passed as a part of the bipartisan appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020 and was signed into law by the President on December 20, 2019. The bill provides $12.5 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and $12.5 million to the National Institutes of Health for firearm injury and mortality prevention research.
"Last year, there were over 400 mass shootings across the United States, one of which deeply impacted our community in the 14th District. We cannot accept this as normal," said Rep. Underwood. "It's time to honor the lives that have been taken from us by gun violence through action to address the problem. I'm pleased that Congress has invested in research to study gun violence for the public health crisis it is."
In Congress, Underwood has continuously supported legislation to improve gun safety and is a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. In her first days in Congress, Underwood voted to support and pass H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. The bill would require a background check on every gun sale or transfer, with limited exceptions. In the same month, Underwood-backed legislation, H.R.1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019, passed the House. The bill would extend the federal wait period from three to ten days to allow the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to complete background checks. In September, Underwood hosted a press conference in Washington, D.C., with students from Batavia and North Aurora and nurses to discuss the impacts of gun violence on young people and demand Senate action on gun violence prevention legislation. In November, Underwood joined members of Congress in a letter pressing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to hold a vote on gun violence prevention legislation that would save lives and make communities safer. Additionally, Underwood is a cosponsor of the H.R. 1296, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019.
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