[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E615-E616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2025

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, June is Gun Violence Awareness 
Month, a time to raise awareness about gun violence and its devastating 
impact on our citizens and Nation. It is a time to honor the lives of 
those tragically taken due to gun violence, to recognize that gun 
violence inflicts trauma and tragedy on individuals, families, and 
communities, and to advance effective gun violence prevention efforts.
  In 2023, there were nearly 47,000 firearm-related deaths, which is 
approximately 128 people dying due to firearms every day. In 2024, more 
than 500 mass shootings occurred--more than one a day. Gun violence is 
the leading cause of death of children and teens. Yet the Trump 
Administration pushes action after action to make Americans more likely 
to suffer gun violence.
  President Trump effectively legalized machine guns, rescinded 
millions of dollars in grants for gun violence reduction, eliminated 
gun violence data, and revoked the zero-tolerance policy that was a 
powerful tool for combatting gun trafficking and straw purchases. 
Further, the Republican budget bill would eliminate the gun silencer 
tax on the purchase or transfer of silencers and eliminate silence 
registrations. The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans 
seek to undo decades of progress reducing gun violence. It is 
imperative that we continue to fight for the right for our youth to 
live in a society where they do not have to worry constantly about gun 
violence.
  Illinois and the City of Chicago have made great progress in 
implementing programs that reduce gun violence. Three years ago, 
Illinois created the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention which is 
responsible for awarding grants to organizations rooted in helping 
reduce gun violence, including the Chicago-based Peacekeepers Program. 
The Peacekeepers Program currently serves around 30 communities. In the 
communities that the Peacekeepers served, there was a 31 percent 
reduction in gun violence in 2023 and 2024 compared to the previous two 
years. Illinois and the City of Chicago can implement strict gun 
regulations and fund programs that reduce gun violence, but if 
neighboring states like Indiana and Wisconsin keep weak restrictions in 
place, then almost anyone can cross those state borders and acquire a 
gun.
  We must do more. We must limit the number of guns that exist in our 
country. We must

[[Page E616]]

ban assault weapons and enact strong background checks with no 
loopholes. We must repeal immunity for firearm manufacturers so 
individuals can bring civil actions to hold these companies responsible 
for their role in the gun violence epidemic. We must provide funding 
for programs with demonstrated success in reducing gun violence.
  During my time in Congress, I have worked diligently to pass 
legislation that will effectively regulate firearms and reduce gun 
violence. I lead the Ammo Identification Act and the Gun Violence 
Prevention and Safe Communities Act. These bills aim to reduce gun 
violence by requiring serial numbers to be engraved on ammunition to 
improve and creating guaranteed funding for gun violence prevention 
programs by increasing the excise tax on firearms and ammunition.
  Gun violence is a public health crisis, and our federal government 
must lead the effort to enact effective gun violence prevention 
legislation.

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