Gun Violence Prevention

Combating gun violence is a central pillar of my legislative agenda. According to the CDC, firearms continue to be the number one cause of child deaths in the U.S. for the third consecutive year. In Maryland alone, about 796 people die by guns annually, and the rate of gun deaths in the state increased 54% between 2012 to 2021, exceeding the national average.

My office is addressing this crisis in several ways. First, we've identified federal grants focused on reducing gun violence, and we work alongside constituents to facilitate the application process. In Congress, I've sponsored and co-sponsored federal legislation that supports law enforcement and prevention. We also regularly organize media and roundtable events in order to engage and inform the public about gun violence issues.

Federal Grants & Funding

The following funding sources are administered through the Department of Justice:

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) currently administers grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and subsequent legislation. These grant programs are designed to develop the nation's capacity to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable. Click here to learn more.

The Office of Justice Programs is investing unprecedented, dedicated resources in programs designed to reduce gun crime and community violence. Last September, they awarded $100 million in grant funding under the Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative to support site-based programs, training, technical assistance and research across the country. This is the largest targeted federal investment in these strategies in history. Click here to learn more.

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) awards grants to hire community policing professionals, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement. Since 1994, the COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to help advance community policing. Click here to learn more.

Federal Legislation

These bills are either sponsored or co-sponsored by Congressman Ivey. Passing them is a top priority during this session of Congress.

H.R.2870 – Raise the Age Act: Congressman Glenn Ivey’s bill would level the standards for the purchase of semi-automatic centerfire rifles to the same degree placed on handguns which is age 21.

H.R.1699 – The Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act: Congressman Frost’s bill would bring together those most impacted by gun violence and leaders from agencies across the federal government to advance policy recommendations, accurate data and research, state and local outreach and education, cross-sector coordination, and maximize and coordinate programs and services related to preventing gun violence.

H.R.3962 – Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act: Congressman Dwight Evans’s bill would establish an Advisory Council to help victims of gun violence access resources. The Advisory Council would include representatives from a variety of federal agencies, victim medical specialists, social workers, and victims of gun violence.

H.R.6754 – School Violence Prevention Act: Congresswoman Jahana Hayes bill would seek to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly, and prevent acts of violence.

H.R. 4283 – Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act: Congressman Danny Davis’s bill would increase the excise tax on firearms such as pistols, revolvers, and shells and cartridges by .5%. The bill establishes the Gun Violence Prevention Trust Fund where the increased tax revenues would be deposited to fund gun violence prevention programs. The Trust Fund would also create separate accounts for violence prevention, gun violence research, hate crimes data collection and enforcement, and firearm forensics.