Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) is the sponsor of the Violent Content Research Amendment of 2013, which would initiated a study of how violent content on TV and in video games affects children. He is thinking about adding it to the gun bill currently being considered.
The bill would instruct the National Academy of Science to do the study. Language included in the measure decribes its intent: “Specifically, NAS would examine whether violent video games and programming cause kids to act aggressively or have other harmful effects, and whether that effect is distinguishable from other types of media. It also would look at the direct and long-lasting impact of violent content on a child’s well-being. With respect to violent video games, NAS must look at whether current or emerging aspects of games, like their interactive nature and the personal and vivid way violence is portrayed, have a unique impact on kids. NAS would be asked to recommend areas for future research and would be required to submit a report on its investigation within 15 months to Congress as well as to the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Health and Human Services.”
According to Adweek, Rockefeller’s proposal to add his bill to a background check bill as an amendment will get a vote soon.
However, that may not be enough to make the violence study the law of the land. Two of the senators trying to find enough common ground between the parties to get the main bill passed – Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) believe the path to the 60 votes needed is steep and perhaps unreachable.
