Thousands of doctors are calling for an end to a congressional ban on gun violence research.

Doctors for America on Wednesday will deliver a petition signed by 2,000 physicians who want the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to restart its exploration of the topic.

The CDC has been blocked from studying gun violence since 1996, when Republicans included the ban in a government spending bill.

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With the number of high-profile mass shootings on the rise, pressure is mounting for Congress to lift the ban. The doctors believe such research is essential to protecting the public health.

But many Republicans argue the CDC should be studying diseases, not guns.

Doctors for America will be joined by the National Physicians Alliance, Doctors Council, American Medical Women’s Association, American College of Preventive Medicine, and Physicians for the Prevention of Gun Violence.

Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), David Price (D-N.C.), Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) are scheduled to appear at the rally to accept the petition on behalf of Congress.