Values for America · Brief for congressional offices

To the office of U.S. Representative Robin L. Kelly

Re: HRES 1342 (119th Congress), Expressing support for the designation of June 5, 2026, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2026 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month". · Latest action (2026-06-04): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
VFA SI Solution #94 · published 2026-06-08 · https://www.valuesforamerica.com/solutions/94
Office of record (Congress.gov): 2329 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC · (202) 225-0773

Gun Violence Awareness Grant Act of 2026

The measure, as described from the official record: To designate June 5, 2026, as 'National Gun Violence Awareness Day' and June 2026 as 'National Gun Violence Awareness Month' to raise public awareness about gun violence and promote efforts to reduce it.

The proposal

This Act establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide funding to states for public awareness campaigns focused on gun violence prevention. Eligible activities include promoting safe firearm storage, mental health resources, and community-based violence intervention programs. Participation is voluntary; states may apply by submitting a plan that respects existing state laws and does not infringe on the Second Amendment. No funds may be used to advocate for firearm restrictions or to regulate firearms. Each grantee must report annually on campaign reach and outcomes. The program is funded from the general fund at $10 million per fiscal year for five years, with a sunset on September 30, 2031. The HHS Office of Inspector General shall oversee compliance and may recoup misused funds. This Act takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Operative provisions (VFA proposal)

funding source
General fund of the United States Treasury
funding amount
$10 million per fiscal year
sunset years
5 years
oversight body
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General
enforcement mechanism
Recoupment of funds if used for prohibited purposes; annual compliance audits
effective date
90 days after enactment

Constitutional basis

Why both sides can back it (VFA’s assessment)

Honors Democratic priorities: raises public awareness about gun violence and funds community-based prevention. Honors Republican priorities: respects state autonomy through voluntary participation, protects Second Amendment rights by prohibiting use of funds for firearm restrictions, and limits federal spending with a sunset and strict oversight.

Values for America is a nonpartisan, constitution-first SI think tank. This brief is informational. It is a policy proposal, not law, and it does not support or oppose any candidate or party. Full analysis and sources: https://www.valuesforamerica.com/solutions/94 · Methodology: https://www.valuesforamerica.com/methodology