A resolution expressing support for the designation of June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 260
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-02: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S3172-3173)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T18:51:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 260) expresses support for designating June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It aims to honor victims of gun violence, raise public awareness about the issue, and promote community efforts to enhance gun safety, particularly during summer months when incidents tend to rise.
Key Provisions
- Background Statistics: The resolution cites data on gun violence in the U.S., including:
- Nearly 46,000 deaths and 97,000 injuries from gunfire annually.
- Over 19,000 gun homicides, 26,000 gun suicides, and 500 unintentional shootings each year.
- More gun deaths since 1968 than in all U.S. wars combined.
- In 2024, about 16,700 gun homicides or nonsuicide shootings, 360 unintentional shootings by children under 18, and 503 mass shootings (defined as incidents with at least four people killed or wounded).
- Over 87,000 military veterans died by gun suicide from 2003–2022.
- Annually, more than 4,300 children and teens killed, 17,000 wounded, and 15,000 people under 30 die from gun violence.
- References the 2013 murder of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton in Chicago as an example.
- Commemoration: June 6, 2025, marks what would have been Hadiya Pendleton's 28th birthday; participants are encouraged to wear orange (a color symbolizing safety, like hunters' vests) in tribute to victims and their families.
- Senate Actions:
- Supports the designations and their goals.
- Calls on the public to:
- Increase awareness of gun violence and safety measures.
- Wear orange on Awareness Day.
- Focus attention on gun violence in summer.
- Gather communities and leaders to discuss safer community strategies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of Senate support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Communities: May encourage public education, community dialogues, and voluntary safety initiatives, potentially leading to greater awareness and preventive actions against gun violence without mandating compliance.
- On Government Agencies: No direct requirements, but it could prompt federal agencies (e.g., those focused on public health or justice) to align with awareness efforts or provide resources for related programs.
- On International Relations: Minimal to none, as the resolution is domestic-focused.
- Overall, impacts are primarily cultural and promotional, fostering dialogue rather than imposing regulations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims and Families: Honored through remembrance, with specific tribute to figures like Hadiya Pendleton.
- Children, Teens, and Young Adults: Highlighted as disproportionately affected groups.
- Military Veterans: Noted for high rates of gun suicides.
- Communities and Local Leaders: Encouraged to engage in discussions and safety planning.
- General Public: Urged to participate in awareness activities.
- Advocacy Groups and Lawmakers: Sponsors (e.g., Senators Durbin, Blumenthal) and organizations focused on gun violence prevention may use it to advance broader efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence. It cannot create rights, obligations, or penalties.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's free speech and resolution powers under Article I; no conflicts with Second Amendment rights, as it focuses on awareness rather than regulation.
- Political: Represents bipartisan potential (though introduced by Democrats) in addressing gun violence—a divisive issue—by emphasizing commemoration over policy mandates. It may signal Senate priorities for public health campaigns but could spark debate on gun rights versus safety in a politically charged context. Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Cosponsors (13)
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-02: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S3172-3173)
- 2025-06-02: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of June 6, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and June 2025 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. — issued 2025-06-02 — PDF (3 pages)