Gun Violence
Congress has a moral responsibility to enact universal background checks, ban assault weapons, allow research on gun violence, keep guns out of the hands of potential terrorists, and hold gun manufacturers accountable for crimes committed with their weapons. Rosa also believes that we must improve our mental health care system, provide additional mental health resources, and fund mental health programs sufficiently, so that people get the help they need.
Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
As a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in the House of Representatives, Rosa remains committed to working with other Members of Congress, mental health experts, law enforcement organizations, teachers, gun owners, and others to pursue a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence and strengthening our nation’s laws.
Research on Gun Violence
At a time when the American Medical Association has called gun violence in the U.S. a ‘public health crisis,’ research has the potential to save lives by unlocking the capabilities of one of our government’s great research institutions. However, this research is currently banned by Congress. Rosa believes that if we research other public health risks—cigarettes, auto accidents, and addiction—in order to curb the damage they do to our society, we should research gun violence as well. Even Jay Dickey – the former Republican Congressman who led efforts to ban federal research – agrees, ‘Doing nothing is no longer an acceptable solution.’ Now is the time for Congress to act.
SAFER Streets Act
Currently, gun buyback programs operate around the country with the intention of reducing the number of assault weapons. However, gun buyback programs are administered at the local level, and with states continuing to face budget cuts, funding these programs is becoming more difficult. In order to better succeed in getting these military-style guns off the street, Rosa introduced the SAFER Streets Act, which would incentivize owners of assault weapons to turn in their weapons by offering a $2,000 tax credit for two years to an individual who voluntarily turns in their assault weapon to state police.