# What This Bill Actually Does

This is a symbolic resolution that designates June 21, 2023, as National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day. It's not a law that creates new regulations or requirements—instead, it's Congress officially endorsing an existing safety campaign and encouraging people to participate in it.

The bill focuses on a simple but potentially life-saving practice: before your child visits another home, ask the parents "Is there a gun in your house?" and if the answer is yes, follow up with "Is it locked and unloaded?" The resolution highlights that this straightforward conversation could prevent accidental shootings, since about 4.6 million children live in homes with loaded, unlocked guns. The bill points out that firearm-related deaths are now the leading cause of death for children in America, and that most unintentional shootings of children under 15 happen in homes. It also notes that in roughly 80 percent of school shootings carried out by students, the gun came from their own home or a family member's home.

By officially recognizing National ASK Day, Congress is essentially saying it supports this safety campaign and wants doctors, pediatricians, and other health professionals to talk more openly with parents about gun safety and proper storage. The resolution encourages these conversations to become a normal part of health care discussions, similar to how doctors talk about car seats or bike helmets. Since this is just a symbolic gesture rather than a binding law, it won't directly change anyone's behavior or create new legal requirements—but it does represent official government support for promoting safer gun storage practices as a way to protect children.

Expressing support for the designation of June 21, 2023, as National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day to promote children's health and safe storage of guns in the home.

 <p>This resolution expresses support for the designation of National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day to encourage parents to ask, before their child visits another home, whether there is an unlocked gun in the home.</p>