Rep. Bowen Applauds Biden-Harris Administration for Executive Action to Curb Gun Violence in Our Communities

MILWAUKEE – In response to the news today that the Biden-Harris Administration has outlined six new executive actions to curb gun violence in America, State Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement:

“Today’s news of President Biden and Vice President Harris taking executive action to help curb the epidemic of gun violence in our communities is not only welcome, it will undoubtedly save lives. Over and over again, activists, community leaders, and public health officials have highlighted the need for substantive common-sense gun safety reform that so far continues to face barriers in Congress and in the states. I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for taking steps now while still encouraging wider action at the state and federal levels.”

Earlier today, President Biden and Vice President Harris unveiled six new executive actions on gun safety reform that would take a holistic approach to reducing gun violence in our communities. As detailed by the White House, the actions direct the Department of Justice to take action to stop the proliferation of “ghost guns,” issue a rule indicating when a stabilizing brace modifies a pistol into a short-barreled rifle, publish model “red flag” legislation for states, and produce an annual report on firearms trafficking. Additionally, the President is nominating a new Director for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and, crucially, investing needed dollars into community-based violence intervention programs like the ones we have highlighted from our office to fellow colleagues in the legislature and to the Governor.

“While all of the actions outlined today are important, I am most grateful that President Biden and Vice President Harris have recognized the importance of investing in community-based violence prevention and intervention programs that have been woefully underfunded for too long! These programs have been proven time and again to reduce violence in a sustainable and cost-effective manner, and are truly a game-changer in communities facing the scourge of gun violence. I am excited to see the measures the Administration is taking to increase funding for these programs now, and I look forward to seeing Congress provide the additional $5 billion in funding for these programs when they pass the American Jobs Plan. This is something our State should take note of as we also must have skin in the game in this currently debated budget. These executive actions are just the tip of the iceberg of what reforms we need to see to enhance and reimagine safety in our communities, and they put us on the right path to a better future!”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.