Senator Murray to Keep Pushing HHS for Gun Violence Research Following Bipartisan Affirmation of Department’s Role

New language affirms HHS authority to research gun violence

Senator Murray has sent a letter to Secretary Azar for details on his stated plan to prioritize gun violence research

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on language in the omnibus which affirmed the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct research on the public health threat of gun violence.

“Families are tired of waiting for answers and action to address the health threat of gun violence—as they should be. It is well past time we prioritized research into gun safety, so while we should be doing more to support this research, I’m glad Republicans are finally willing to join Democrats in affirming the Department of Health and Human Services’ authority to conduct this critical work. Secretary Azar has said gun violence research would be a priority for the health department, and I will keep pushing to ensure we make that promise a reality,” wrote Senator Murray.

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