Following the tragic shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, APA reaffirmed its longstanding support for common sense reforms to our nation’s gun laws in testimony submitted to the U.S. Senate’s Judiciary Committee (PDF, 156KB). The association also released a statement from APA president, Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, calling for a public health approach to gun violence prevention, supporting evidence-based programs and policies that can reduce the occurrence and impact of firearm-related violence in the United States. Included in the testimony was APA’s expressed support of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 8/S.529) to close pre-existing loopholes that allow unlicensed gun sellers to avoid comprehensive background checks on firearms sales. The association also called on 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.
For more information, contact Ben Vonachen.