Support Bipartisan Gun Safety Measures: Background Checks and Licensing

I am writing to urge you to support comprehensive gun safety legislation, particularly universal background checks and a gun licensing system. Recent polling data from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy's Mood of the Nation Poll, conducted in May 2023, reveals overwhelming bipartisan support for these measures among American adults. The poll shows that 86% of Americans support Congress mandating background checks for all firearm sales and transfers. This includes an impressive 80% of Republicans, demonstrating a rare point of agreement across party lines. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of Americans support requiring gun owners to undergo a process similar to automobile ownership: taking a test, obtaining a license, and registering their firearms. These policies aren't just popular; they're supported by gun owners and Second Amendment advocates as well. Among those who prioritize Second Amendment rights, 77% support universal background checks, and 60% support a testing, licensing, and registration process for guns. While opinions on assault weapon bans and eliminating current gun laws are more divided along partisan lines, the strong bipartisan consensus on background checks and licensing presents a unique opportunity for meaningful action. By focusing on these widely supported measures, we can make significant strides in improving public safety without infringing on the rights of responsible gun owners. I urge you to prioritize the passage of legislation mandating universal background checks and implementing a comprehensive gun licensing system. These measures have the potential to reduce gun violence while respecting constitutional rights and the will of your constituents across the political spectrum. Your leadership on this issue could help break the longstanding deadlock on gun policy and demonstrate that our government can still respond effectively to the concerns of the American people.