 When I first came to Congress, I was proud speak out in support of two historic gun safety bills that soon became law: the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, which required a five-day waiting period and background checks on gun purchases, and the Semiautomatic Assault Weapons Ban of 1994.
Today, we must continue to fight for sensible laws to prevent gun violence. Closing the gun show loophole, denying firearms to terrorists, and renewing the ban on assault weapons are critical to achieving this goal.
Closing the Gun Show Loophole
Criminals have discovered that at gun shows, where large numbers of private buyers and sellers come together in one place, no background check is required. The gun show loophole allows criminals to by firearms at gun shows in most states without undergoing a background check. I believe this dangerous loophole must be closed, so I am a cosponsor of Gun Show Loophole Closing Act (H.R.2324 in the 111th Congress), which would require criminal background checks on all firearms transactions occurring at gun shows.
Denying Firearms to Terrorists – No Fly, No Buy
As unbelievable as it seems, being on a terror watch list currently does not prohibit someone from buying firearms or explosives. That’s why I am a cosponsor of the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act (H.R.2159 in the 111th Congress), which would tighten the current law that allows individuals listed on the terrorist watch list to legally purchase firearms.
Renewing the Assault Weapons Ban
We need to prevent dangerous assault weapons from falling into the hands of violent criminals, including gang members, drug dealers and terrorists. That’s why I am a cosponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (H.R.1022 in the 110th Congress). The legislation would reinstate the federal Assault Weapons Ban, which expired in September 2004. When the ban was first enacted in 1994, I was proud to be an original cosponsor and to see then-President Clinton sign the bill into law.
Self Financing Civilian Marksmanship Program Act
In 1996, I was able to pass legislation to eliminate federal funding for the Civilian Marksmanship Program, an antiquated program that was created in 1903 during the Spanish-American War to teach Americans how to shoot straight. In the 1990’s, while we were fighting very hard to get guns off the street, this program handed out 40 million rounds of free ammunition, sold surplus guns, and conducted an annual shooting match.
My bill, the Self Financing Civilian Marksmanship Program Act (H.R.3466, 104th Congress) eliminated taxpayer subsidies for recreational shooting programs, and prevented the transfer of federally owned weapons, ammunition, funds, and other property to a private Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety. It was included in FY96 Department of Defense Authorization Act, Public Law 104-106.
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