This morning, the Biden-Harris administration announced some significant steps to enhance gun safety and address background check loopholes on a national level. You can read the full press release here.
Looking for a quick breakdown? In essence, the administration is cracking down by introducing a Department of Justice rule clarifying who needs to conduct background checks. This initiative aims to close the loophole of firearms currently being sold without background checks. It serves as an implementation measure of the already existing Bipartisan Safer Communities Act introduced by President Biden in 2022.
“I’ve spent hours with families who’ve lost loved ones to gun violence. They all have the same message: ‘Do something.’ Today, my Administration is taking action to make sure fewer guns are sold without background checks. This is going to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and felons. And my Administration is going to continue to do everything we possibly can to save lives. Congress needs to finish the job and pass universal background checks legislation now.” – President Biden.
This new implementation is said to target over 20,000 unlicensed sellers who will now need to become licensed, therefore expanding background checks to thousands of firearm sales.
While this is a fantastic step to securing the purchasing and circulation of firearms within our communities, we still have work to do. The Alliance is standing with the Biden-Harris administration as we call on Congress to pass universal background checks and to provide more funding for the ATF to enforce these laws.
Policy is effective only when properly implemented, and it’s going to take every single one of us to end gun violence.
Christian (he/him)
Digital Communications Manager
Alliance for Gun Responsibility
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ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194