How to Contact Your Representative About Universal Background Checks

The Issue

What's at Stake

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which would require a background check for every gun sale including private sales and gun shows, has passed the House but has never received a Senate vote. Currently, federal law only requires background checks for purchases through federally licensed dealers — leaving a significant gap that allows people prohibited from owning guns to obtain them through private sales.

Background checks are one of the most broadly supported gun safety measures, with polls consistently showing support above 85% — including among gun owners. Congressional action is the only path to closing the private sale loophole.

90%+

Of Americans who support universal background checks for gun purchases

22%

Of guns acquired without a background check

Senate votes on the Bipartisan Background Checks Act since it passed the House

Take Action

How to Contact Your Representative — Step by Step

Find your senators especially

The Senate is where universal background check legislation has stalled. Enter your ZIP code in RepReach to find both your U.S. Senators and your House rep with direct phone numbers.

Call to urge a Senate vote on the Bipartisan Background Checks Act

'I urge Senator [name] to support a Senate vote on the Bipartisan Background Checks Act' is a concrete, actionable ask.

Share your position simply and clearly

Background check support is broad and bipartisan. A simple statement of support and your city is sufficient.

Follow up in writing

RepReach generates a personalized written message based on your position.

What to Say

Tips for Your Call or Email

📍

Start with your city. Constituent contacts are logged by location.

🎯

Name the specific legislation. 'Bipartisan Background Checks Act' or 'universal background checks' gives a staffer a clear, loggable position.

📞

Call your senators especially. The Senate is where this legislation has stalled — both of your senators' positions matter most.

⏱️

Under 60 seconds is ideal. Brief and clear is always best.

RepReach writes your script for you

Tap. Script. Call. Done.

Tell the app where you stand and add any personal details — RepReach builds a complete, personalized call or email script around your story. No blank page, no guessing what to say.

Learn More →

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bipartisan Background Checks Act do?

It would require a background check for all gun sales, including private sales between individuals and sales at gun shows. Currently, only sales through federally licensed dealers require background checks. The bill has passed the House with bipartisan support but has not received a Senate vote.

Why hasn't universal background checks passed?

Despite support from over 90% of Americans and bipartisan House passage, universal background check legislation has not advanced in the Senate due to opposition from members who argue the bill would burden law-abiding gun owners. Sustained constituent pressure on Senate offices is the primary path to movement on this legislation.

Does calling about gun safety make a difference?

Yes. Gun safety calls have been most effective when sustained over time rather than just in the immediate aftermath of shootings. Members in competitive states are especially attentive to constituent calls on gun policy.

How do I find my senators' phone numbers?

Enter your ZIP code in the RepReach app to instantly find both your U.S. Senators and your House representative with their direct district office phone numbers.

Turn awareness into action

Your voice matters. Use it.