Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senator for New York

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Keeping Families and Children Safe

Keeping Families and Children Safe

"All New York children must have the opportunity to grow up in safe neighborhoods with supportive families, free of violence."  -Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator

As a mother of two young children, Senator Gillibrand is focused on ensuring safe communities in every corner of New York.  While she supports the Second Amendment to the Constitution, Senator Gillibrand is helping lead efforts to eliminate gun violence in our communities, including working on preventing illegal gun trafficking.

During her time in Congress, Senator Gillibrand has worked to increase funding to put thousands more police on the street, crackdown on the meth epidemic, protect our children from sex offenders, and implement recommendations from the 9/11 Commission to protect our nation from terrorist threats.

Always Supporting Law Enforcement

From her work on national security matters to ensuring that law enforcement has the tools they need to keep our communities safe, Senator Gillibrand is a friend of law enforcement and a committed advocate for public safety.  She has fought hard to ensure that New York gets its fair share of resources for law enforcement and critical funding for security.


Too many local police departments across New York are underfunded and understaffed.  That is why, senator Gillibrand plans to continue her work with Senator Schumer and the Obama Administration to add 50,000 more police officers to the streets through the Community Orientated Police (COPS) program, the Secure our Schools Grant Program, and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program among others.

Eliminating Gun Violence in Our Communities

Since her appointment to the U.S. Senate, Senator Gillibrand has made it a priority to meet with anti-crime experts and communities affected by violence.  Working with local law enforcement, Senator Gillibrand is committed to keep our neighborhoods safe from gun violence and keep our children out of trouble.

Stopping the flow of Illegal Guns

One of the Senator's top priorities in Congress is to stop the flow of illegal guns. Studies show that 90 percent of the guns used to commit crimes in New York State actually come from other states.  Studies also show that 85 percent of guns seized in New York are obtained illegally without proper criminal background checks.

Senator Gillibrand is working to ensure that criminals can't get access to these guns, and these guns don't make their ways into New York communities.

In collaboration with anti-crime experts, community leaders, and the Obama Administration, Senator Gillibrand is working on new legislation to address the trafficking of illegal guns.

Expand High-Quality Afterschool Opportunities

Senator Gillibrand also knows that providing our young people with opportunities is one of the best ways we can fight crime in our communities.  Service and recreational opportunities help limit the lure of gangs and reduce gun violence in many New York communities.  That's why Senator Gillibrand is working with the Obama Administration's Faith Based and Community Partnerships office and local organizations to secure federal funding for after-school opportunities, mentoring programs, summer job initiatives, and a whole host of other efforts aimed at keeping our young people safe, productive, and away from violence.

Ensuring the Safety of Children's Toys and Products

Senator Gillibrand has also been a strong advocate working to ensure the safety of children's toys and other consumer products.  With two young children, she understands how parents worry about the danger that these products can pose to their kids.