Context. – Firearm morbidity and mortality is greater in the US than any other industrialized country in the world. This study examines factors that influence Congressional voting records on firearm legislation. Objective. – To evaluate the influence of political affiliation, military service, geographic location of representation, education level, sex, gun rights contributions, and gun control contributions on the voting activity of Congressional members regarding firearm control legislation. Design. – Retrospective assessment of Congressional voting records. Main Outcome Measure. – Voting records from the 103rd through the 106th Congresses (1993-2000) pertaining to firearm control legislation were collected for all Congressional members. Intervention. – None Results. – A total of $6,270,553 was donated to members of Congress, $5,394,049 to members of the House of Representatives and $876,504 to members of the Senate by groups concerned with firearm legislation. The vast majority of the donations were from the National Rifle Association. In the House, males (OR, 3.87), Republicans (OR, 13), those from the South (OR, 5), and those who received gun rights funds (OR, 13 to 203, depending on level of donations) were more likely to be pro gun rights voters. In the Senate, support for gun rights occurred significantly more often for those from the West (OR, 3.56), Republicans (OR, 130.50), or those who had received gun rights donations (OR, 28.00). Conclusion. – Gun rights contributions, especially from the National Rifle Association, to members of the US Congress and Republican Party affiliation are highly correlated with voting records on firearm control legislation. Campaign finance reform is needed.
Learning Objectives: 1)Attendees will be able to identify the characteristics of Congressional membes who are most likely to receive funding from gun rights organizations. 2)Attendees will be able to explain the effect of gun rights donations on voting behavior.
Keywords: Firearms, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.