In a surprise statement late yesterday, new U.S. HHS Secretary Alex Azar agreed to be “proactive” in allowing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct gun violence prevention research in response to questioning by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D- Tampa).  The secretary made the statements during the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Committee hearing in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting.  

For decades, CDC research on gun safety has been limited due to an annual appropriations provision, which states, "None of the funds made available in this title may be used, in whole or in part, to advocate or promote gun control.” The secretary noted that he did not believe the provision limits gun violence prevention research.  CDC public health research has been central to reductions in injuries and deaths from motor vehicles, concussions, and drownings.  Experts believe public health research on gun safety could be as vital to preventing tragedies like the one in Parkland, Florida. Rep. Castor agrees and also pressed the Health Subcommittee Chair Michael Burgess (R-TX) for a subcommittee hearing on the subject soon.

Video of the exchange can be watched here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWTWRGcE_Dg