Why Congress's Inaction on Gun Legislation During Mass Shootings is Alarming

President Biden faces a daunting challenge in addressing the problem of mass shootings within the context of the current political landscape. The recent tragedies in Uvalde, Nashville, and other locations have once again brought the issue of gun legislation into sharp focus. However, it is not President Biden's role or power to directly write or propose laws. The process of lawmaking in the United States, specifically through the House of Representatives, is fraught with significant barriers, particularly due to the NRA's powerful influence over Congress.

Laws are Proposed in Congress, Not by Presidents

The President's agenda is to implement policies and regulations that have been committed to by Congress. In the United States, the legislative process begins in the House of Representatives. Bills and proposed legislation are drafted and presented here. However, the process is not free from corruption, with significant financial backing shaping the direction of these bills. The National Rifle Association (NRA), one of the most influential lobby groups, has a substantial presence in this process.

The NRA's Buying Power in Congress

Members of Congress who dare to propose legislation that might infringe on the NRA's interests often face significant consequences. For instance, if a representative were to introduce a bill restricting access to firearms, the NRA would ensure that they are defeated in the next election. The organization has the financial means to find and back a candidate who will replace any legislator who dares to cross the NRA. Over the past 15 years, a few brave representatives who accepted money from the NRA and then tried to introduce such legislation have found themselves out of Congress, effectively ending their political careers.

Current Situation of NRA-Backed Legislators

There are a concerning number of members of Congress who have been influenced by the NRA and large gun manufacturers, many of whom are Republicans. These individuals hold significant sway over the legislative process. The most recent contributors from the NRA are:

Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah): $13,645,387 Senator Richard Burr (R): $6,987,380 Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC): $5,611,796 Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO): $4,555,722 Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa): $3,688,078 Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL): $3,303,355, plus additional donations from major gun manufacturers Senator Rob Portman (R-OH): $3,063,327 Senator Todd Young (R-IN): $2,899,232, plus additional donations from major gun manufacturers Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA): $2,864,547 Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR): $1,973,201

It is worth noting that many of these individuals are elected Republicans who have received the bulk of their funding from the NRA and major gun manufacturers. Their statements and actions often seem out of sync with the gravity of the issue, such as Senator Todd Young's brief response to Uvalde mass shooting or Senator Cotton's vague remarks.

Historical Context: NRA's Greatest Contributors

Looking back at data from a longer time frame, the NRAs's top contributors are:

Top Ten Senators:

John McCain (R-AZ): $7,740,521 Richard Burr (R): $6,986,620 Roy Blunt (R-MO): $4,551,146 Thom Tillis (R-NC): $4,418,012 Cory Gardner (R-CO): $3,879,064 Marco Rubio (R-FL): $3,303,355 Joni Ernst (R-IA): $3,125,000 Bruce Poliquin (R-ME): $1,392,000 Todd Young (R-IN): $2,896,732 Mitch McConnell (R-KY): $1,267,000

Top Ten Representatives:

Mike Johnson (R-LA): $1,089,477 Ken Buck (R-CO): $800,544 David Young (R-IA): $707,662 Mike Simpson (R-ID): $385,731 Greg Gianforte (R-MT): $344,630 Don Young (R-AK): $245,720 Lloyd Smucker (R-PA): $221,736 Bruce Poliquin (R-ME): $201,398 Pete Sessions (R-TX): $158,111 Barbara Comstock (R-VA): $137,232

The NRA has also made significant donations to put Donald Trump in the White House, including an 80 million dollar donation during the 2020 election. These financial maneuvers significantly impact the legislative process, making it exceedingly difficult for meaningful gun control measures to be enacted.

In conclusion, the NRA's continued influence over Congress, coupled with the complex political dynamics within the House of Representatives, present significant obstacles to effective gun legislation. The recent wave of mass shootings starkly highlights the urgent need for action that aligns with the public's desire for safer communities. It is essential to scrutinize and address the financial and political mechanisms that perpetuate inaction on such vital matters.