Dear Representative Smith, 

I would like to begin by thanking you for breaking with your own party lines and voting in favor of both the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 1446) and the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R.8). However, I am extremely disappointed in your decision to vote against the Protecting Our Kids Act on June 8th, 2022. You had the opportunity to vote for legislation that could bring real change and you chose to squander it. Voting for background checks is simply not enough.  It is my hope that you will always vote in favor of sensible legislation and also that you will work to introduce sensible gun legislation yourself. You have the support of your constituents, despite what the Republican Party may be telling you, to be the change. Please listen to our voices and advocate for stricter gun laws that will save the lives of innocent people.

Changes that I would be in favor of include:

• A ban on semi-automatic weapons such as the AR-15 used in the Uvalde
• Reinstating the assault weapons ban, avoiding many of the loopholes that existed in the 1994 law
• Increasing the age to legally purchase a semi-automatic weapon or assault rifle from 18 to 21
• Enhanced background checks and closing background check loopholes
• Waiting periods to purchase a weapon
• A hefty tax on both guns and ammunition that would be used to fund mental health care for the uninsured/underinsured, loan forgiveness to mental health care workers, mental health awareness initiatives, and gun safety education programs
• Requiring a license to purchase a firearm. A written test proving proficiency in gun safety as well as an interview with a trained mental health professional. Fees to be paid by the purchaser.

These are suggestions to be considered and that may ignite conversations to find effective solutions. I hope that you will work to create a safer America. Please vote in favor of upcoming legislation that will bring stricter, sensible gun laws.