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Kildee Votes for Bipartisan Legislation in House to Address Gun Violence

February 27, 2019

Bipartisan Bill Would Close Loopholes and Require Background Checks for All Gun Sales, Keeping Guns Out of the Hands of Dangerous Criminals and Domestic Abusers

WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded action in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.R. 8, long-overdue gun violence prevention legislation that requires background checks for gun sales and transfers to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and bad actors. This bill would close dangerous loopholes that currently allow criminals and domestic abusers to buy a weapon without a background check, such as those purchased at a gun show or online.

The bipartisan bill, which had the support of Republicans and Democrats, is the first action on legislation to prevent gun violence in decades. National polls have consistently shown that a bill requiring universal background checks is supported by over 90 percent of Americans, including most Republicans, Independents and Democrats. Congressman Kildee cosponsored and voted in favor of H.R. 8.

"This common-sense bill to address our country's gun violence epidemic will save lives," Congressman Kildee said. "Because of loopholes in current law, many dangerous people can purchase guns without a background check. This bipartisan legislation ensures that those already prohibited from possessing a gun, including those with felony convictions and domestic abusers are not able to obtain a firearm. I am glad to see Congress finally take action to address gun violence in America."

Since 1994, when the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) was introduced, over three million dangerous people have been stopped from getting guns. However, because of loopholes in the law—including sales online and private gun shows—up to 80 percent of firearms used for criminal purposes are obtained without a background check. H.R. 8 would require a background check for every gun sale or transfer, with some reasonable and explicit exceptions that, for example, allow a person: to give a gun as a gift to a close family member; loan a gun for hunting or target shooting; or provide a gun in the moment of self-defense.

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Issues:Local Issues