1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

In these uncertain times, where many are questioning leadership and standing up on critical issues, gun reform is increasingly at the forefront of American concerns. With the rising toll of gun violence, inconsistent background checks, and loopholes in laws regulating automatic weapons, the public’s view on the right to bear arms is shifting. While I firmly believe in the right to self-defense, the growing trend of gun deaths and political violence are painting more and more of a grim picture for public safety in America. I urge the House of Representatives to strengthen gun laws, particularly by expanding mental health assessments and universal background checks. This should include checks for generationally owned firearms and more in-depth checks for individuals with patterns of mental health that contribute harm to themselves or others. Secure storage requirements to keep weapons and ammo away from minors or high-risk individuals would also be greatly helpful. Additionally, lawmakers should consider halting the sale of fully automatic weapons, which serve little practical purpose for personal defense and recreation—leading to an increased public risk. While semi-automatic firearms have legitimate uses, they also contribute significantly to gun violence and mass shootings. Stricter regulations on these weapons, including limiting features and magazine capacities, are necessary to reduce unnecessary risks while respecting responsible gun ownership. As we consider the realities of modern society, we must recognize that the challenges we face today are vastly different from those during the time of the Founding Fathers. Updating our laws to prioritize public safety will help reduce the availability of dangerous weapons without infringing on personal protection or hunting rights. This approach would limit excessive firepower and prevent dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands.