At a May 20 congressional hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciaryopens in new window, APA advocated for Congress to pass essential reforms to our nation’s gun laws in written testimony (PDF, 152, KB)opens in new window. APA asserted Congress should take an evidence-based, public health approach to reduce preventable firearms-related injuries and mortalities. APA expressed support of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 8opens in new window/S.529opens in new window) to close preexisting loopholes that allow unlicensed gun sellers to avoid comprehensive background checks on firearms sales. The association also urged Congress to provide funding and resources to assist states with extreme risk protection orders and crisis intervention teams/mental health response teams, as well as safe firearms storage options.
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