Engel: 3D-Printed Guns Are Another Crisis of Trump's Creation, but He Can Limit the Damage

Statement

Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement responding to a tweet by the President casting doubt upon the State Department's misguided decision to allow publication of software to print plastic guns:

"The only reason software for 3D-printed guns is now on the internet is because the Trump Administration let it happen. The State Department's disastrous reversal of longstanding policy has made it possible for anyone with a laptop and 3D printer to manufacture unregistered, untraceable, undetectable weapons. That means encouraging people in this country to break the law--undetectable weapons are illegal--and helping people all over the world, including those who mean us harm, to make their own guns.

"These guns could easily fall into the hands of people who shouldn't have them--violent offenders, the mentally ill, or even terrorists--and will slip past normal security measures, making it impossible to ensure the safety of our schools, airports, and government buildings.

"The President's eleventh-hour awakening stretches credulity, and now that the software is online, it's there forever. But if, for once, he's sincere in his concern, he can limit the damage with a phone call to Secretary Pompeo, who should reimpose the ban on this software without delay. I'll soon introduce legislation that would require the State Department to do so."

Background:

On July 20, Rep. Engel sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo urging him to reverse the State Department decision to lift restrictions on software for 3D printing of firearms.

Source