Congress returns from their recess after Labor Day. They will have a very serious question to answer when they come back. What can be done about mass shootings?
A mass shootingis when someone uses a gun to shoot many people. In August, there were two terrible mass shootings in one day. They occurred in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Mass shootings have been a problem in the United States for a long time.
Some people think Congress can help solve this issue. This
has been challenging, though, because the members of Congress disagrees
over the meaning of the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. The text
of the amendment reads:
“A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
A militia is a civilian army to help the regular army. When something is infringed, it is limited.
Some people say the government can and should regulate [control or supervise]guns. They want to check the backgrounds of all people who buy guns. They would also like to stop people from buying guns that quickly fire a lot of bullets.
Others say this would take away people’s right to own guns based on the 2nd Amendment. They want Congress to look at other solutions, such as helping people with mental health problems and making video games less violent.
Everyone agrees this is a problem. Many people are working towards a solution.
What Do You Think? What do you think Congress can do about mass shootings?
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