Issue Position: Gun Control
Issue Position
Ensuring Guns Stay Out of the Wrong Hands
Sadly, gun violence has become a constant in American life. While increased prevention, education, and enforcement must be part of our overall strategy, I believe that keeping guns out of the hands of criminals is essential to reducing the incidence of gun violence. I have consistently supported bills that would provide key safety provisions, such as requiring background checks for buyers at gun shows; requiring safety locks on or storage of all handguns; banning the importation of large ammunition clips; and increasing the minimum age for handgun purchases.
The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act
Together with Representatives Maloney, Rigell, and Meehan, I introduced H.R. 452, The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act, in the 113th Congress. This legislation--the first bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation introduced in the House--would prohibit firearms trafficking, strengthen penalties for straw purchasers, and enhance penalties for kingpins and multiple illegal purchases. H.R. 452 now has more than 100 bipartisan co-sponsors.
While I recognize the rights of law-abiding citizens, I believe it is my obligation to ensure that our nation's communities are safe from the threat of gun violence. For this reason, I will continue to fight for responsible and appropriate gun control legislation, including provisions that limit access to firearms for individuals with criminal backgrounds or mental impairment.
Further, I commend the President and Vice President for taking strong, common-sense steps to curb gun violence in our communities and look forward to working on legislation to strengthen gun control. While I recognize the rights of law-abiding citizens, I believe it is my obligation to ensure that our nation's communities are safe from the threat of gun violence. For this reason, I will continue to fight for responsible and appropriate gun control legislation, including provisions to limit those with criminal backgrounds or mental impairment from obtaining weapons.
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