Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding gun control. I am deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the loss and pain that result from these terrible tragedies. My deepest condolences go to the victims, their families, and their communities that have been forever changed by this horrific act.

As an avid hunter and a representative of sportsmen and women in Wisconsin, I believe current law should be examined so as to allow law-abiding, safety-conscious sportsmen to enjoy hunting but also to keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals and others who might misuse them. Americans have strong feelings about gun ownership and I understand that after tragedies like Sandy Hook, many people believe that new restrictions on gun ownership should be enacted. I also know how important guns are to the many Wisconsin families that have a long tradition of hunting and sport shooting, as well as those individuals who choose to keep a gun for their personal safety. While federal law sets a minimum standard for gun control, I continue to believe that the best solutions are not going to be found in the halls of Congress, but back home in our communities where parents, schools, and officials from local governments and law enforcement can determine what works best.

In the wake of these recent shootings, I believe that it is time to have a national dialogue on gun violence and the steps needed to prevent tragedies like the ones in Newtown, Aurora, and Oak Creek. As a former prosecutor, I have dealt with the effects of gun violence first-hand, and as a father and a husband, I am convinced that firearms should not fall into the hands of convicted felons and others who might misuse them.

This January, President Obama highlighted a number of areas that he believes would address the problem of gun violence in our country. I agree that we must do a better job upholding the laws that prohibit criminals from having guns and ensuring dangerous people aren’t slipping through the cracks. I support increased school safety initiatives so that our teachers and students are better protected with the help of additional officers and surveillance equipment. And we can and should be enforcing stricter penalties for gun trafficking to stop the spread of illegal weapons across our borders and among our communities.

While it would be imprudent to push through legislation without fully understanding the causes of the Newtown tragedy or having well thought out policy solutions, I believe that an open and honest dialogue that brings everyone to the table can hopefully help us find solutions to prevent these senseless acts of violence from happening in the future.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with additional questions or concerns. I also encourage you to visit my website, www.house.gov/kind, where you can find updated information, sign up to receive my e-newsletter, and send me e-mail.


Sincerely,
Signature
Ron Kind
Member of Congress