broofa/gist:ca6bf1aaceb3ab38b2f110c3e336a4b3

## gistfile1.txt
Dear Mr. Kieffer:

Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts on gun control laws. I appreciate your taking the time to get in touch. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the people of Orlando after this senseless, horrible attack.

When I was in the Oregon legislature, I supported a successful effort to enact legislation improving our gun safety laws, and now in Congress I want to ensure that we are enforcing the gun laws we have on the books. The fact is that there are some people who cannot and should not own guns, either because of their criminal background or mental health needs.

The system we already have in place for this exact purpose—the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)—has facilitated millions of firearms background checks in collaboration with the FBI. This is an important tool for our law enforcement agencies, but as of now it is not being used to its full potential: of the over 2.1 million denials for attempted illegal purchases, only a tiny fraction of the buyers were actually convicted of this violation. We need to prosecute those who break the law attempting to circumvent our nation’s background checks and compromise our safety. That is why I have voted to support NICS and make sure it is fully funded to help further enforce laws that prevent criminals from obtaining firearms.

I also think it’s important to get to the root cause of many of these tragedies, which is why I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address mental health issues in this country. I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015, which would make our mental health programs more effective and help ensure the mentally ill receive the care they need. This bill—introduced by Rep. Tim Murphy, a licensed psychologist—would reform the failed and chaotic patchwork of federal efforts for mental health, which is currently spread across eight agencies, 112 separate programs, at a cost of $130 billion annually.

The plan was unanimously approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee this month, and I hope it will be passed by the full House soon. By refocusing programs, reforming mental health grants, and removing red tape and barriers to care, this bill is a good step in the right direction. Studies show that a person who receives mental health assistance is 15 times less likely to commit an act of violence, than those who get no help. For the safety of the mentally ill and all Americans, we need to recognize this problem and address it head on.

In the meantime, please know that I will continue to focus on fixing our mental health care programs and improving enforcement of our nation’s gun laws. Thank you again for reaching out. It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress.

Best regards,

Greg Walden
Member of Congress
	Dear Mr. Kieffer:

	Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts on gun control laws. I appreciate your taking the time to get in touch. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the people of Orlando after this senseless, horrible attack.

	When I was in the Oregon legislature, I supported a successful effort to enact legislation improving our gun safety laws, and now in Congress I want to ensure that we are enforcing the gun laws we have on the books. The fact is that there are some people who cannot and should not own guns, either because of their criminal background or mental health needs.

	The system we already have in place for this exact purpose—the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)—has facilitated millions of firearms background checks in collaboration with the FBI. This is an important tool for our law enforcement agencies, but as of now it is not being used to its full potential: of the over 2.1 million denials for attempted illegal purchases, only a tiny fraction of the buyers were actually convicted of this violation. We need to prosecute those who break the law attempting to circumvent our nation’s background checks and compromise our safety. That is why I have voted to support NICS and make sure it is fully funded to help further enforce laws that prevent criminals from obtaining firearms.

	I also think it’s important to get to the root cause of many of these tragedies, which is why I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address mental health issues in this country. I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015, which would make our mental health programs more effective and help ensure the mentally ill receive the care they need. This bill—introduced by Rep. Tim Murphy, a licensed psychologist—would reform the failed and chaotic patchwork of federal efforts for mental health, which is currently spread across eight agencies, 112 separate programs, at a cost of $130 billion annually.

	The plan was unanimously approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee this month, and I hope it will be passed by the full House soon. By refocusing programs, reforming mental health grants, and removing red tape and barriers to care, this bill is a good step in the right direction. Studies show that a person who receives mental health assistance is 15 times less likely to commit an act of violence, than those who get no help. For the safety of the mentally ill and all Americans, we need to recognize this problem and address it head on.

	In the meantime, please know that I will continue to focus on fixing our mental health care programs and improving enforcement of our nation’s gun laws. Thank you again for reaching out. It is an honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress.

	Best regards,

	Greg Walden
	Member of Congress