A pair of Democrat congressmen has introduced a resolution declaring gun violence a “public health crisis.” The resolution was offered by Rep. Dan Goldman and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, both members from the New York delegation.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis, and we cannot begin to make desperately needed change until we acknowledge it as such,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I’m a father to five kids, and like parents all across this country, I fear for their safety every time I send them off to school, to shopping malls, to concerts – places that should be safe and enjoyable for every kid in this country. This crisis will take a whole of government effort, and that begins with treating it with the urgency it requires.”
The resolution:
- Urges a whole-of-government effort to address the gun violence public health crisis and ensure the safety of all children;
- Urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to continue its work utilizing the 4-step public health approach to violence prevention and collaborate with other Federal Government agencies to resolve the gun violence public health crisis;
- Urges the Surgeon General to issue a report on firearm injuries and violence prevention;
- Supports the resolutions drafted, introduced, and adopted by cities, localities, and States across the Nation declaring gun violence a public health crisis or emergency; and
- Commits the House of Representatives to ending the gun violence public health crisis so that all people can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Earlier this week, Goldman cosponsored a package of legislation that both establishes a federal “red flag” program and strengthens state and local efforts through the creation of grant programs to support the implementation of extreme risk protection order laws. Additionally, he cosponsored the ‘End Gun Violence Act’ to prohibit individuals convicted of a violent misdemeanor from purchasing handguns or ammunition for five years after conviction.
