Carbajal and Beyer Announce 100 Democrats and Republicans Co-Sponsor GVRO Act

Press Release

Today, Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Don Beyer (VA-08) announced that 100 bipartisan co-sponsors now officially support passing H.R. 2598, the Gun Violence Restraining Order Act (GVRO). Carbajal's bill, introduced last May with Beyer as an original co-sponsor, would allow family members or law enforcement officials to petition a judge to temporarily remove firearms from an individual in crisis.

"The momentum behind passing gun violence prevention laws in the wake of the tragic Parkland shooting is not slowing down, and that is clearly reflected in this week's milestone of support for the GVRO Act," said Rep. Carbajal. "This bill encourages other states to follow California's lead and enact similar firearm restraining orders that can prevent future tragedies like the shootings in Parkland or in Isla Vista. With this level of bipartisan support, it is clear the GVRO Act would easily pass the House. Americans are demanding that Congress take action to prevent gun violence and I urge Speaker Ryan to put this bill up for a vote."

"More and more Members of Congress in both parties and both chambers are recognizing the lifesaving power of gun violence restraining orders," said Rep. Beyer. "Two years ago I was one of just 8 cosponsors of this legislation to prevent gun violence. Now the Gun Violence Restraining Order Act has reached 100 cosponsors, and fittingly the last two were a Republican and a Democrat. Congressman Carbajal and I will continue seeking bipartisan support for this bill, and urge Speaker Ryan to give it floor consideration."

Background:

The Gun Violence Restraining Order Act would incentivize states to enable family members or law enforcement officials to go to a court to seek a "gun violence prevention order," to temporarily stop someone who poses a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a gun.

The bill will also ensure that a court can issue a "gun violence prevention warrant," allowing law enforcement to take temporary possession of firearms that are in an individual's possession if the court determines that the individual poses a threat to themselves or others. Furthermore, it would ensure that law enforcement makes full use of all existing state and local gun databases when assessing a tip, warning, or request from a concerned family member or other close associate.

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced the companion legislation S. 1212 in the Senate.

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