Washington, D.C.-Today, Congressman Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) will introduce legislation commending a nation-wide gun safety program run by the National Rifle Association. The NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program has taught the fundamentals of gun safety to more than 23 million elementary-aged children since the program’s inception in 1988. Since 1988, the annual number of firearm accidents among elementary-aged children has declined more than 80 percent. A number of experts believe that Eddie Eagle has been a significant factor in this dramatic decline. The resolution already has more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors and is expected to be voted on in the next few weeks.
“As a lifelong hunter and sportsman, I have a sincere appreciation for the lessons gained from responsible gun ownership and use,” said Rep. Shuler. “Almost half of all American homes have a gun, exposing children to risk if they do not know how to handle a gun. Proper gun safety education, through programs like the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program, is one of the most effective ways to prevent gun-related injuries or deaths among children.”
The Eddie Eagle program was designed in partnership with teachers, school administrators, curriculum specialists, clinical psychologists and law enforcement agents. The program, which includes activity books, posters, and other educational materials, has been reviewed and recommended by the U.S. Department of Justice and endorsed by the Association of American Educators and the National Sheriffs’ Association. More than 26,000 school systems, civic groups, and law enforcement agencies in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico have used the Eddie Eagle program.
“I believe in sportsmanship, and am proud to be able to honor this exemplary program created by the NRA,” said Rep. Shuler. “The NRA continues to come through for the current and future generations of sportsmen and hunters. I am glad programs like Eddie Eagle exist so that my children and millions of kids throughout our nation can learn to enjoy hunting in a safe manner.”
The NRA has given Shuler an “A” grade and called him a solidly pro-gun candidate. Shuler was a featured speaker at the NRA Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum in Charlotte on May 14, 2010.
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