Introduction of the Gun Safety Incentive Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Gun Safety Incentive Act, a commonsense and life-saving measure to address one of the most urgent crises facing our Nation: the epidemic of gun violence, particularly as it affects our children.

I am proud to be joined in this effort with my co-leads-- Representatives Robin Kelly and Lucy McBath--who, like me, believe that protecting children, families, and veterans should be above politics.

Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States. Every year, more than 2,500 young lives are lost to gun violence. For children under the age of 13, these deaths most often occur inside the home. In 2021, firearms accounted for nearly 19 percent of all childhood deaths--a staggering 50 percent increase since 2019.

Disturbingly, three out of every four children under the age of 10 live in a household with a firearm. More than a third of these children have reported personally handling an unsecured gun in the home.

We can and we must do more to prevent these tragedies. The Gun Safety Incentive Act takes meaningful, practical steps to promote responsible firearm storage and protect our children.

First, the bill provides a 10 percent federal tax credit through 2030 for individuals who purchase certified firearm safes and secure storage devices. This incentive directly supports gun owners who take steps to store their firearms safely--an action proven to reduce the risk of accidents, suicides, and theft.

Second, the legislation directs the Department of Justice to develop and promote voluntary best practices for secure firearm storage, making this information readily accessible to the public both online and in print.

Third, the bill requires clear labeling on all handgun, rifle, and shotgun packaging, stating: ``Safe Storage Saves Lives.'' These labels will also direct consumers to DOJ's storage guidelines, ensuring that every gun owner receives trusted, research-based information on how to keep their weapons out of the wrong hands.

Finally, the bill authorizes funding for Safe Firearm Storage Assistance Programs--community-based efforts that promote secure storage practices through education, outreach, and local partnerships. These programs meet people where they are and empower them to be part of the solution.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is not about politics--it is about prevention. It is about using the tools at our disposal to keep guns away from children and out of the hands of those who might harm themselves or others. The Gun Safety Incentive Act is a reasonable, measured, and life-saving response to an ongoing public health emergency.

I urge all my colleagues--Democrats and Republicans alike--to join me in supporting this critical legislation. Let us stand together to protect America's children from senseless, preventable tragedy.

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