Nancy Pelosi on Gun Control

Nancy Pelosi has established herself as a staunch proponent of stricter federal gun safety measures, often emphasizing that legislative action is necessary to address gun violence in the United States. Her core position centers on implementing universal background checks for all firearm sales, which she has characterized as commonsense reforms overwhelmingly supported by the American people. She has used her leadership roles to push for specific bills in the House, including measures that would raise the minimum age for purchasing semi-automatic rifles and prohibit high-capacity ammunition magazines. She has indicated that when the House has the opportunity, it stands ready to consider life-saving legislation passed by the Senate.

Her commitment to this issue has been a consistent theme throughout her tenure, framing gun control as a moral imperative for public safety following mass shootings. Following major incidents, she has often promised swift action, contrasting her approach with those who oppose new regulations. Opponents, including members of the Western Caucus, have strongly rebuked her legislative efforts, characterizing bills like the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 as unconstitutional infringements on Second Amendment rights that only penalize law-abiding citizens rather than stopping criminals.