Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2025
Summary
The Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2025 authorizes the appropriation of $50 million per year from 2026 through 2031 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These funds are designated for conducting or supporting research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention. The authorized funding is in addition to any other existing appropriations for similar purposes.
The bill aims to enhance understanding of gun violence and develop evidence-based prevention strategies. It was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would increase funding for research into the causes and prevention of gun violence. This could lead to a better understanding of the issue and the development of more effective interventions.
The increased research could inform policy decisions at the federal, state, and local levels.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Public Health: Increased research funding could lead to a reduction in gun violence and related injuries/fatalities.
- Evidence-Based Policy: Research findings can inform the development and implementation of effective gun violence prevention policies.
- Enhanced Data Collection: The CDC could improve data collection and analysis related to firearms safety and gun violence.
- Community Safety: Effective prevention strategies could lead to safer communities and reduced fear of gun violence.
- Economic Benefits: Reduced gun violence could lead to lower healthcare costs and increased economic productivity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Misuse of Funds: Concerns that the research could be politically motivated or used to promote specific agendas.
- Privacy Concerns: Data collection related to gun ownership and violence could raise privacy concerns for some individuals.
- Limited Impact: Research findings may not translate into effective policy changes or a reduction in gun violence.
- Increased Government Spending: The appropriation of $50 million per year could be seen as an unnecessary increase in government spending by some.
- Second Amendment Concerns: Some may argue that the research could be used to justify restrictions on the right to bear arms.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex, particularly concerning the Second Amendment. While the bill itself does not directly regulate firearms, some may argue that research funded by the act could be used to justify future gun control measures, potentially infringing on the right to bear arms.
However, proponents could argue that the bill aligns with the government's responsibility to promote the general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution, by addressing a significant public health issue. The First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech could also be relevant, as the bill supports research and the dissemination of information.
Ultimately, the constitutional alignment depends on how the research is conducted and how its findings are used to inform policy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).