[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 123 (Thursday, July 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE GUN SAFETY INCENTIVE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2025

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Gun Safety 
Incentive Act, a commonsense and life-saving measure to address one of 
the most urgent crises facing our Nation: the epidemic of gun violence, 
particularly as it affects our children.
  I am proud to be joined in this effort with my co-leads--
Representatives Robin Kelly and Lucy McBath--who, like me, believe that 
protecting children, families, and veterans should be above politics.
  Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and 
teenagers in the United States. Every year, more than 2,500 young lives 
are lost to gun violence. For children under the age of 13, these 
deaths most often occur inside the home. In 2021, firearms accounted 
for nearly 19 percent of all childhood deaths--a staggering 50 percent 
increase since 2019.
  Disturbingly, three out of every four children under the age of 10 
live in a household with a firearm. More than a third of these children 
have reported personally handling an unsecured gun in the home.
  We can and we must do more to prevent these tragedies. The Gun Safety 
Incentive Act takes meaningful, practical steps to promote responsible 
firearm storage and protect our children.
  First, the bill provides a 10 percent federal tax credit through 2030 
for individuals who purchase certified firearm safes and secure storage 
devices. This incentive directly supports gun owners who take steps to 
store their firearms safely--an action proven to reduce the risk of 
accidents, suicides, and theft.
  Second, the legislation directs the Department of Justice to develop 
and promote voluntary best practices for secure firearm storage, making 
this information readily accessible to the public both online and in 
print.
  Third, the bill requires clear labeling on all handgun, rifle, and 
shotgun packaging, stating: ``Safe Storage Saves Lives.'' These labels 
will also direct consumers to DOJ's storage guidelines, ensuring that 
every gun owner receives trusted, research-based information on how to 
keep their weapons out of the wrong hands.
  Finally, the bill authorizes funding for Safe Firearm Storage 
Assistance Programs--community-based efforts that promote secure 
storage practices through education, outreach, and local partnerships. 
These programs meet people where they are and empower them to be part 
of the solution.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is not about politics--it is about prevention. 
It is about using the tools at our disposal to keep guns away from 
children and out of the hands of those who might harm themselves or 
others. The Gun Safety Incentive Act is a reasonable, measured, and 
life-saving response to an ongoing public health emergency.
  I urge all my colleagues--Democrats and Republicans alike--to join me 
in supporting this critical legislation. Let us stand together to 
protect America's children from senseless, preventable tragedy.

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