House Dems call for vote on lifting gun violence research limits

A group of House Democrats is calling on Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to take up a bill to repeal restrictions on gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The push to lift the restriction has gained new attention in the wake of the school shooting last week in Florida.

“Mr. Speaker, you have said we need more facts and data on this issue and we agree,” the seven House Democrats wrote in a Wednesday letter to Ryan. “Federal research is essential to provide us the facts and data we deserve to protect every American and prevent more senseless tragedies.”

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At issue is an annual provision in appropriations bills that states, “None of the funds made available in this title may be used, in whole or in part, to advocate or promote gun control.”

Democrats argue the provision has had a chilling effect even on research, and the letter calls on Congress to provide funding for study.

There appeared to be some momentum for gun violence research last week when Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar told a congressional hearing that he supports the research and thinks it is allowed even under current law.

The letter on Wednesday was signed by Democratic Reps. Carolyn Maloney (N.Y.), Mike Quigley (Ill.), David Price (N.C.), Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), Nita Lowey (N.Y.), Robin Kelly (Ill.) and Stephanie Murphy (Fla.).