John,

I write with a deep sadness but renewed resolve, and I hope you will take the time to read this email and commit [or recommit] to advocating for change. Year after year and shooting after shooting, there are always calls to “not get political” as we mourn our fellow Americans.

But everything is political, including how we keep our kids safe in school, because the policies and laws that govern our communities, states, and country are decided by the people we elect. And as community member after community member reaches out to me desperately asking what can be done, let me tell you about some of the straightforward policies I support and why.

Raise the age to purchase assault-style weapons: Per federal law, you must be 21 to purchase a handgun, but you can buy an assault-style weapon like an AR-15 at 18. We must raise the age to 21.

Reinstate a ban on large-capacity magazines: The data clearly show that large-capacity magazines make shootings significantly more lethal because murderers can shoot more rounds faster.

Put Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) legislation in place: Ensure that law enforcement can take action when they receive reports from family or friends that someone might be a harm to themselves or others.

Require Background Checks on all sales: Per federal law, some people with a history of violence are prohibited from purchasing firearms. To ensure these “prohibited buyers” can’t buy a firearm, would-be purchasers must fill out a background check form. However, federal law only requires a background check at federally-licensed points of sale, which means in many states, online sales or gun show sales do not require a background check!

The House of Representatives has twice voted to ensure the law is enforced across all points of sale with H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. The legislation passed the House with the support of eight Republicans who value this common-sense law. It awaits a vote in the Senate.

Close the Charleston Loophole: Per federal law, gun purchases may occur by default after three business days — even if a background check has not been returned. Though 90% of federal background checks are completed in minutes, the ones that take longer are four times more likely to be denied, and this means the three-day default results in guns being sold to prohibited buyers, including the man who murdered congregants of Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. H.R. 1446 Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 would lengthen the default period from three days to 10. This bill passed the House with bipartisan support and awaits a vote in the Senate.

If you want to learn more about these issues or get engaged in local advocacy, take a look at the following organizations. They have local chapters and whether you're a parent, a gun owner, a student, or simply concerned about this issue, there is a place for you!

BRADY ([link removed])

EVERYTOWN ([link removed])

MOMS DEMAND ACTION ([link removed])

STUDENTS DEMAND ACTION ([link removed])

GIFFORDS ([link removed])

MARCH FOR OUR LIVES ([link removed])

As a parent, a Virginian, a legislator, and an American, I thank you.

—Abigail

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| Paid for by Spanberger for Congress |
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Spanberger for Congress
PO Box 3112
Fredericksburg VA 22402 United States

Abigail Spanberger is a proud Democrat, former CIA officer, and representative for Virginia's 7th Congressional District. She believes in leadership that flows from our shared American values of integrity, responsibility, and decency, and she wants to work to move this country forward together. To learn more, please visit AbigailSpanberger.com ([link removed]) .

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