house resolution no.306

Reps. Morse, Weiss, Pohutsky, Manoogian, Anthony, Camilleri, Sowerby, Clemente, Steckloff, Hope, Cambensy, Steenland, Hertel, Sabo, Stone, Kuppa, LaGrand, Brixie, Glanville, Puri, Rogers, Brabec, Young, Cherry, Hood and Jones offered the following resolution:

A resolution to urge the United States Congress to fund scientific research on gun violence and its effects on public health, and to require the Surgeon General of the United States to issue annual reports to the public on the current state of gun violence in the country.

Whereas, Gun violence, which includes any violence committed with the use of firearms, continues to threaten the public health of our citizens. An average of 100 people per day die from gun violence in the United States. In addition, the United States accounts for 35 percent of firearm suicides globally, and Americans are 25 times more likely to be killed by gun violence than people in other high-income countries; and

Whereas, In order to develop solutions to address gun violence, we need a better understanding of the causes, processes, and impact of all types of gun violence, including violent conflicts, suicides, and mass shootings. Research allows the public health community to define the problems associated with gun violence, identify risks and protective factors, and develop preventive interventions; and

Whereas, Providing funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Justice will allow for a broad database of scientific knowledge to be created for the development of meaningful interventions as our understanding of gun violence expands; and

Whereas, Further, gun violence research should be made available to the general public. Not only does this transparency foster trust, but informed individuals have the power to change their behaviors and work alongside systematic reform; and

Whereas, For over two decades, Congress has blocked any appropriations for gun violence research citing legislation enacted in 1996 to prohibit public funds from being used to advocate or promote gun control. Although not specifically prohibited, the language has been interpreted as a ban on funding. Scientific research must and can stand outside of politics for the betterment of public health; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States Congress to fund scientific research on gun violence and its effect on public health; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the Surgeon General of the United States to issue annual reports to the public regarding the state of gun violence in the country; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the Surgeon General of the United States.