After a number of mass shootings in the United States in the past few years, gun control has become a nationwide topic. The issue has been covered by the government and groups like the National Rifle Association, NRA, with many different approaches taken by all with the common goal of protecting the country.

In the past year there have been over 20 mass shootings in the United States resulting in nearly 80 deaths. As a result of these shootings, security and policies have been changed nationwide. In the government, many different bills have been written with the intention of changing gun laws. Senator Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire along with Senator Mark Begich, D-Alaska co-authored a bill calling for more training and familiarity with school and community services geared toward mental health. This bill is in response to the insanity pleas made by many mass shooters.

It is difficult for bills like Ayotte and Begich’s to succeed because they are based on mental health, but tied to gun control. Recently differing opinions in Congress have made it difficult to pass any legislation. While many want an increase of security, others believe removing guns from the people is the better solution. This conflict prohibits the majority vote needed to pass a bill.

The NRA has been one of the loudest groups when it comes to gun control legislation. The group promotes ownership, safety, and knowledge about guns. Their political agenda is to protect the second amendment right to bear arms. After last month’s shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. that killed 12 people the head of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, called for more “good guys with guns.” LaPierre has made many claims that security and mental health are the real problem, and not the guns.

Despite the disagreements over what needs to be done about guns in the United States, all have agreed change is needed. With nearly 60% of the homicides in the US being gun related and the violence increasing yearly, this problem has grown too big to be ignored.