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The Second Amendment is an important part of our Constitution and our identity as Americans. It’s about protecting our freedoms and ensuring that individuals have the right to defend themselves, their families, and their property. But as with any right, there comes a responsibility to use it wisely - that’s something my grandfather taught me and my siblings when we were children and learning the correct way to handle and shoot a firearm. 

Here’s my approach.

  • Ban 3D-Printed Gun Software. The rise of 3D-printed firearms, or "ghost guns," presents a unique challenge to public safety. These firearms are often made using freely available software and 3D printers, allowing anyone to manufacture guns that are untraceable because they lack serial numbers. The problem is growing; in the U.S. alone, there have been over 126 arrests related to 3D-printed firearms since 2013, with a significant increase in recent years. By mid-2024, the number of arrests continues to rise globally, reflecting law enforcement's ongoing struggle to manage this evolving threat​.  Online communities, such as those on YouTube and Reddit, have made it easier to share blueprints and instructions for building these weapons​.  These networks pose a significant challenge as they allow users to bypass traditional regulations on firearms manufacturing and ownership.  By proposing legislation to ban or regulate software that allows individuals to print gun parts or entire firearms without oversight, we can prevent the creation of unregistered and untraceable weapons. This keeps illegal firearms off the streets without taking away legally owned guns.

  • Responsible Gun Ownership. From my conversations with DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, it's clear that gun bans—whether for assault weapons or any type—do not necessarily make our streets safer. Instead, what truly contributes to community safety is responsible gun ownership. This means focusing on comprehensive background checks, promoting safe storage practices, and ensuring that gun owners are well-informed and educated about the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership.

We need to prioritize practical, effective measures that address the root causes of violence and promote safety through responsible practices.