Eight Democratic lawmakers from Maine, including House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, are attending a White House meeting hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris to launch the Safer States Initiative, a new partnership aimed at helping states enhance their gun violence prevention efforts. The initiative will provide states with tools and support to implement reforms such as establishing offices of gun violence prevention, strengthening background checks, and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The meeting marks the largest-ever White House gathering of state legislators focused on gun violence prevention.
The White House's Office of Gun Violence Prevention will meet with nearly 100 Democratic state legislators as part of the Safer States Initiative to address gun violence and offer federal support. The Biden administration aims to provide states with tools and resources to prevent and respond to gun violence, including investing in evidence-informed solutions and strengthening background checks. The meeting comes as the US continues to face a rise in mass shootings, with firearm-related injuries becoming the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. The Department of Justice is also releasing model gun safety legislation on safe firearm storage and reporting lost or stolen firearms.
Vice President Kamala Harris launches the Biden-Harris Administration's Safer States Initiative, providing states with tools and support to reduce gun violence. The initiative includes establishing State Offices of Gun Violence Prevention, investing in evidence-informed solutions, strengthening support for survivors and victims, reinforcing responsible gun ownership, strengthening gun background checks, and holding the gun industry accountable. The Justice Department also announces two executive actions: Safe Storage Model Legislation and Lost and Stolen Firearms Reporting Model Legislation. The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention will continue working with states to provide resources and support.
