Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) voted today for the first major gun safety bill to pass both houses of Congress in nearly 30 years.
“This is a landmark bill and it will save lives! Philadelphia and the nation have experienced a gun violence pandemic for the last two years, and this bill will make a real difference. I will keep advocating for even more reforms to save more lives – for example, in the House, we passed universal background checks for gun buyers, and I still believe the Senate should pass that as well. But the bill we passed this week represents significant progress and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign it into law!” Evans said.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that Evans voted for today includes:
- Support for State Crisis Intervention Orders: Incentivizing states to implement extreme risk protection order laws, also known as “red flag” laws, to keep weapons out of the hands of individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. Evans emphasized that Pennsylvania does not have a red flag law and he urged the state legislature to pass one quickly.
- Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence: Closing the “Boyfriend Loophole” by adding convicted abusers to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
- Cracking Down on Gun Trafficking and Straw Purchases: Preventing dangerous individuals from illegally evading background checks by establishing new federal criminal offenses that cover straw purchasing and trafficking.
- Enhanced Background Checks for Buyers Under 21: Requiring longer, enhanced background checks of up to 10 days for gun buyers under age 21.
- Anti-Violence Community Initiatives: Providing $250 million in funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives.
- Child and Family Mental Health Services: Improving access to mental health services for children, youth and families through Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other programs.
- Investments in School Safety: Expanding mental health and supportive services in schools, including early identification and intervention programs.
During Evans’ first five years in Congress, his office has helped to return to or save more than $25 million for Philadelphians from federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. His website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Original source can be found here.
