A responsible action gun owners can appreciate

In 1996, the Dickey Amendment was a rider to the U.S. omnibus spending bill. This limited federal spending on gun research and was heavily supported by the NRA.

Reasonable gunowners should all welcome the recent passage into law of legislation championed by our own congresswoman, Lauren Underwood. A total of $25 million dollars was allocated to be split between the Center for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health for this research.

Our community has experienced a mass shooting, children routinely practice school active shooter drills and police don't know what they face in many interactions with the public. Enough is enough. Our residents and law enforcement officers deserve better.

As a gun owner, I appreciate Congresswoman Underwood's leadership on combating gun violence. This legislation is a small but crucial first step.

Ms. Underwood needs to know that the community, including many gun owners, will support her and her peers as more sensible requirements to reduce gun violence are introduced.

Sensible reforms can be accomplished without impacting our rights under the Second Amendment.

William Bachman

St. Charles