Washington, DC – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, yesterday introduced the National Gun Violence Research Act, a bill designed to authorize research programs that examine policies that reduce gun violence and lower death totals. The legislation, also referred to as H.R. 435, would charge the Justice Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out the programs.

“It is truly bewildering that Congress has failed in its duty to address the threat of gun violence in our country,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Gun violence is both a public health crisis and a daunting criminal justice challenge. It is past time for action to address it; and one important component for effective action is understanding the problem. We need more research to understand the impact of policies like assault weapons bans, concealed-carry laws, and minimum age requirements on outcomes like suicide, violent crime, and unintended injury and death.”

The bill places focus on a comprehensive review of the best ways to reduce the number of lives lost to gun violence each year by calling on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to oversee the research efforts.

“The National Gun Violence Research Act enables a whole-of-government approach to expanding our knowledge-base on the nature, causes, consequences, and prevention of gun violence,” added Congresswoman Johnson. “If we are to effectively curb the gun violence epidemic in America, we must invest in gun violence research.”

In order to address all components that contribute to gun violence, Congresswoman Johnson is coordinating this effort with fellow committee chairs, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Congressman Frank Pallone, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“I want to acknowledge the leadership of Chairman Pallone and Chairman Nadler on this issue. Gun violence research is an issue that necessarily spans multiple federal agencies and, therefore, multiple congressional committees,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues in the 116th Congress to advance the field of gun violence research in order to improve the health and welfare of the American public.”

# # #