Reply from Senator Mark Kelly

Dear_________________,

          Thank you for contacting me about gun safety and the Second Amendment. As a former Navy pilot, combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut, it is an honor to continue my service to our country representing Arizona in the United States Senate. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on the issues facing our state and our country. Hearing from Arizonans helps me better serve our state, and I hope you will continue to share your perspectives and suggestions.

           When I took office, I promised I'd work across the aisle to deliver results for Arizonans. As a gun owner, combat veteran, and spouse of a gun violence survivor, I understand the importance of our Second Amendment rights and the urgent need to keep our communities safe. That's why I support commonsense gun laws that are compatible with the traditions and rights granted to bear firearms, including universal background checks, laws to keep guns out of the hands of stalkers and domestic abusers, and increased funding for mental health programs to help prevent suicides by firearm.

           Finally, after decades of Congressional inaction on this issue, the Senate came together to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 with a bipartisan vote of 65 to 33. I am proud to be one of the 20 Republicans and Democrats who helped shape the bill in negotiations leading up to its introduction and passage. The law expands mental health and crisis services, makes communities and schools safer from gun violence, and protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans through supporting state crisis intervention orders, making it harder for domestic abusers to get a gun, and enhancing the background check process for individuals under age 21. It also strengthens accountability by clarifying what constitutes a federally licensed firearms dealer, creates federal penalties for gun trafficking, and provides $250 million for community-based violence prevention initiatives. In addition, this bill expands outpatient and school-based mental health services, increases access to telehealth, and invests in the pediatric mental health workforce.           

          To continue building on this progress, I joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) to introduce S. 1370, the Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearm Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act on April 9, 2025. This bill would regulate the most dangerous semi-automatic rifles, detachable high-capacity magazines, and accessories that have been used repeatedly in mass shootings and are the focus of growing concern from law enforcement. The bill ensures those that currently own these items keep them, but limits the transfer of gas-operated rifles with detachable magazines to immediate family members. However, the bill explicitly exempts firearms commonly used for self-defense, hunting, and sporting like recoil-operated handguns, bolt-action rifles, and rifles and shotguns with fixed magazines holding up to 10 rounds. The GOSAFE Act was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for consideration.

           Gun safety and constitutional rights are not mutually exclusive. I believe that commonsense gun laws make communities safer and should be compatible with the Second Amendment. I am committed to working with both Republicans and Democrats to protect our rights and traditions of responsible gun ownership, keep communities safe from gun violence, and to ensure law enforcement have the resources they need to protect and serve all Arizonans.     

          Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue, and I hope you will continue to contact my office with any future comments or questions. I’m committed to being transparent and accountable with all Arizonans, which is why I release my public schedule at kelly.senate.gov. There you can also sign up for my newsletter, receive assistance with a federal agency, and learn more about my work as Arizona’s senator.

Sincerely,

Mark Kelly
United States Senator