President Obama Urging Congress To Fund Study On Video Games And Violence

Earlier today, President Barack Obama asked Congress to set aside $10 million dollars for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to help fund their study on the possible ties between violent video games and violent crimes, as well the former's effect on young children.

The study would also examine depictions of violence across all forms of media, not just games. It was one of the 23 different executive action that are intended to help curb gun violence, and is a direct result of the Sandy Hook tragedy that took place last month.

The President of the United States had this to say:

"If there's even one thing we can do to reduce this violence, if there's even one life that can be saved, then we have an obligation to try it… I will put everything I've got into this, and so will Joe, but I tell you the only way we can change is if the American people demand it."

Polygon explains that for years, the CDC and other federally funded scientific agencies have been prevented from using federal funds to advocate or promote gun control, which is an edict from Congress themselves. So President Obama is obviously attempting to change that rule.

The $10 million dollars being asked for the CDC study is part of a larger $500 million package, which also includes closing background check loopholes, banning military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, plus other steps that aim to reduce gun violence across the country.