Democratic Members of Congress Urge Ryan to Allow Vote on Gun Violence Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), David Price (NC-4), Mike Quigley (IL-5), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Robin Kelly (IL-2), and Stephanie Murphy (FL-7) called on Speaker Ryan to allow debate and a vote on legislation to finally repeal the Dickey Amendment and provide adequate funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct research about gun violence.

In their letter to Speaker Ryan, the members state, "The Dickey Amendment has had a chilling effect on the CDC and other federal agencies who are responsible for conducting life-saving research. The rider serves as an unnecessary barrier to finding meaningful and workable solutions to our nation's gun violence epidemic, so much so that the ban's author, the late Representative Jay Dickey, came to regret its effects."

They conclude, "Mr. Speaker, you have said we need more facts and data on this issue and we agree. Federal research is essential to provide us the facts and data we deserve to protect every American and prevent more senseless tragedies."

A PDF of the letter can be found here.