Gun Control

In Brief

Gun control opponents defend our constitutional right to bear arms. The Second Amendment reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Proponents decry the growth of gun violence in our country. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 30,710 Americans lost their lives to firearms in 2002.

Congress is now considering legislation that would require tougher background checks and safety locks, but it faces strong opposition from gun rights groups.

Gun Control Resources

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
  ATF enforces the federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and arson.
  
  
  
  
  

• Handgun Control - Brady Campaign
  Firearm facts, gun law loopholes, pending legislation, gun violence research and education programs.
  
  
• Million Mom March
  This grassroots organization is leading a renewed effort to prevent gun violence.
  
  

• National Rifle Association
  Association lobbies for the second amendment right to keep and bear arms.
  
  
• Second Amendment Sisters
  Advocates protecting rights of self-defense and gun use.
  
  

• PAX
  Organization leads a movement to end gun violence.
  
  
• Pledge.org
  More than 2 million students signed the pledge against gun violence.
  
  
• Join Together Online
  National resource center for communities working to reduce substance abuse and gun violence.
  
  
• Violence Policy Center
  A national non-profit organization working to fight firearms violence through research, education, and advocacy. The site likens gun shows to Tupperware® parties for criminals.
  
  

• Visit voting records resources.

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