The U.S. has a problem with gun violence. By now, this is indisputable. Reliable data on the problem, however, is hard to come by, as CBS News reports: "(L)ittle is known about who is prohibited from owning guns, why people acquire them, why people commit gun violence and the amount of guns shared among young people. The exact number and types of guns in the U.S. are also unknown."
Why? Because, since 1996, Congress—acting at the NRA's direction—has blocked federal funds to the CDC for research into even the basics on gun violence. How can we solve a problem this complex when we can't even study it? We can't. It's past time for Congress to show some decency, step aside, and let the CDC do its job. Fund this research. Now.