National Federation of Nurses applauds President Obama’s signing into law 23 Gun Violence Reduction Executive Actions and calling for Congress to pass a number of critical laws to keep our families’ children, teachers, nurses and staff, and our communities safe. This comprehensive proposal addresses school safety, law enforcement and mental health resources.
It is time for Congress to reinstate a Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Assault magazines are not necessary except in war. Gun trafficking must become a federal crime with heavy penalties including imprisonment. Gun shows must be required to perform background checks for all firearm sales. The right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment but was not intended to grant permission to use them to murder innocent children, women and men who have a right to safety and protection while pursuing life, liberty and happiness.
Central to any discussions about gun violence is the need to address social and health issues. There must be greater focus on improving access to mental health services and treatment. Sixteen to twenty-five year olds are the most afflicted with mental illness and receive the least services. The Affordable Care Act is the largest step to increase access to mental health services in a generation, providing health coverage for thirty million Americans, including six to ten million people with mental illness.
We urge all Americans to contact their elected Congress representatives to act without delay in supporting these actions and/or sign their name to this petition.