A meaningful path forward

Dear Friend,

I am a gun owner. I also have two kids who grew up doing active shooter drills that would have been unimaginable when I was their age. The level of gun violence in our country—and in New Mexico—is appalling and unacceptable. But I refuse to accept the idea that we are so divided that we can’t make this situation better.

That’s exactly why I have been part of the efforts to find a meaningful path forward in the Senate to come to a bipartisan compromise that will reduce gun violence. Over these past weeks, I have engaged in numerous difficult but productive conversations with my colleagues in both parties in order to find areas of agreement. These bipartisan negotiations show that we can work together and that we can create policies that will save lives.  

The Bipartisan Framework on Gun Safety that we announced today includes policies and investments that will enhance the review process for firearms purchased by those under 21; crack down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements and straw purchase and traffic firearms; improve mental health resources for children and families; protect victims of domestic violence; and provide resources to law enforcement to keep firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to harm themselves or our communities.

I fully recognize that this is just a start, but progress has to begin somewhere. Let’s begin here and now.

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator