The House of Representatives is set to vote on two pieces of legislation this week that would be important steps in taking meaningful action against the human rights crisis of gun violence in the United States.
H.R. 8, which would require universal background checks, will be voted on February 27, and H.R. 1112, which would require enhanced background checks, will be voted on February 28.
“Universal and enhanced background checks would close deadly loopholes, preventing threats to public safety and ensuring that guns do not fall into dangerous hands.,” said Jasmeet Sidhu, senior researcher at Amnesty International USA. “Public safety is not a partisan issue. It is a human rights issue.”
Amnesty International USA released a major report last year, chronicling the ways in which gun violence in the United States infringes on human rights. AIUSA is asking their members to call on their senators and representatives to support the legislation.