Rosa believes that we need to do more to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and out of the lives of children. Specifically, she supports:

  • instating an updated ban on assault weapons and a ban on high capacity ammunition feeding devices
  • requiring universal background checks for ALL gun purchases
  • providing resources for law enforcement
  • requiring the sale of a child safety lock with every hand gun
  • improving our mental health care system so we can help those in need.

 

In addition, Rosa is pursuing the following initiatives:

SAFER Streets Act
Currently, gun buyback programs operate around the country with the intention of reducing the number of assault weapons, but a larger incentive could make more of an impact. Furthermore, gun buyback programs are administered at the local level. With states continuing to face budget cuts, funding these programs is likely to become even more difficult.

In order to better succeed in getting these military-style guns off the street, Rosa introduced the SAFER Streets Act, which will 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. The tax credit is substantial and refundable, which should lead to getting more of these guns off the street, while sparing local government the cost. This legislation is based on an idea from a veteran and resident in the third congressional district.

Fighting Restrictions on Critical Research
Since 1997, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and more recently all of the Department of Health and Human Services, has been under a chilling restriction that effectively keeps it from conducting any research or analysis related to gun violence. The CDC Center for Injury Prevention and Control, which examines issues--such as motor vehicle accidents, prescription drug overdoses and child abuse--that leads to initiatives aimed at preventing related deaths and injuries effectively cannot do similar work when it comes to gun-related violence because of this prohibition.  As a result, U.S. researchers cannot answer the most basic questions about how to prevent firearm injuries.

That is why Rosa urged Vice President Biden to include a proposal in his Gun Violence Prevention Task Force recommending removal of the restriction and increased research on firearms by the Health and Human Services Department. Rosa supports the subsequent Presidential Memorandum directing the CDC to research the causes and prevention of gun violence. 

House of Representatives Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
As a member of the House of Representatives Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, 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 reduce gun violence and strengthen our nation’s laws.

Assault Weapons Ban of 2013
Rosa is a cosponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013.

It is clear that we must put in place reasonable laws that will do more to ensure the safety of our families, friends, and communities.  We must not delay action that would better protect our children.