As the past Vice Chairman of the Bipartisan Working Group on Youth Violence in the House of Representatives, I have worked to reduce youth violence in our society. We need a comprehensive solution to this problem that focuses on the family, the desensitization of our children by mass media products, enforcing the thousands of gun laws that are already on the books and other societal causes of youth violence.

Gun violence is caused by criminals who prey on law-abiding citizens. While violent crime is down among adults, it continues to rise among young people. While the availability of guns is certainly an issue, it is not the primary cause of violence. Also, guns will always be available in a free society, either legally or illegally.

This is a very complex societal issue that will require a comprehensive solution. Many folks are proposing simple, quick fix solutions. If we are really interested in reducing crime, however, we must start by enforcing our current laws, rather than talking about new ones. I am committed to continue working to address the root causes of gun violence in our society.