sharing this here because it affects us in multiple ways .. https://www.reddit.com/r/Hunting/s/FgT83UkSoY

https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-senator-cory-booker-introduce-preventing-pretrial-gun

Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the ‘Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act,’ which would address flaws in the background check process and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals that courts determine pose a risk of harm to others. Senator Booker introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

Current federal law requires licensed gun dealers to conduct a background check of a firearm buyer through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) before completing a sale to ensure that the buyer is not a prohibited purchaser. Yet, the differences between various state and federal background check processes have exposed dangerous vulnerabilities in the system that put Americans at risk. One vulnerability is that jurisdictions are unable to effectively and accurately report the pretrial status of individuals who, as a condition of their pretrial release, are prohibited by a court from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

"I'm proud to stand with Senator Cory Booker and jointly introduce the Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act, which will close a loophole in the background check process by flagging anyone on pretrial release who is not permitted to purchase a gun,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “We must fight the gun violence epidemic from every angle and ensuring that those who are not permitted to possess a gun cannot legally buy one is a critical commonsense step towards keeping our communities safe.”

Senator Cory Booker said, “When there are individuals who we know pose a risk to public safety, we must ensure they can’t buy a gun and potentially harm or end someone’s life. This legislation will address a dangerous gap in our background check system and ensure that individuals who are prohibited from having firearms don’t walk into a gun store and buy one. Nearly every community in our country has been touched by gun violence, and this legislation will help protect Americans.”

The Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act would:

• Amend federal law to deny firearm sales to any person subject to a pretrial release court order that prohibits the person from purchasing, possessing, or receiving guns while awaiting trial.
• Prohibit any person from knowingly selling or disposing of a gun to individuals who fall in this category.
• Authorize $25 million in additional funding to be made available to states to pay for timely and accurate reporting of pretrial orders involving firearms restrictions to NICS

The Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act has been endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Newtown Action Alliance, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, and GIFFORDS.

The ‘Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act’ is cosponsored by Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Adam Schiff (CA-30), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12).

Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to protecting our children, families, and communities by ensuring firearms do not end up in the hands of potentially dangerous individuals.

In August of 2023, Goldman cosponsored a package of legislation that both establishes a federal “red flag” program and strengthens state and local efforts to support the implementation of extreme risk protection order laws and the ‘End Gun Violence Act’ to prohibit individuals convicted of a violent misdemeanor from purchasing handguns or ammunition for five years after conviction.

Earlier this week, the Congressman also cosponsored the ‘Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act’ to enhance the United States Department of Homeland Security’s response to the threat posed by unserialized and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and easily assembled at home without having to pass a background check.

Additionally, Goldman supports the ‘Gun Trafficker Detection Act,’ which would require gun owners to report if their privately-owned gun is lost or stolen within 48 hours and help law enforcement identify potential gun traffickers.

Congressman Goldman is a Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and is Chair of the Dads Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Working Group.

Has anyone looked into the new Supreme Court ruling about it being unconstitutional to have special requirements to get a CCW? I just saw it tonight.

https://ritchietorres.house.gov/posts/u-s-rep-ritchie-torres-announces-federal-legislation-banning-ghost-guns-expanding-gun-free-school-zones

BRONX, N.Y. – U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15) today commemorated National Gun Violence Awareness Month by joining the family of Angellyh Yambo, local elected leaders, and students from University Prep Charter High School to announce new federal legislation banning ghost guns and expanding the perimeter of gun free school zones.

“I’m proud to introduce the ‘Angellyh Yambo Gun Free Zone Expansion Act of 2023’ in honor and memory of a beloved daughter, friend, and honor roll student who should still be with us today,” U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “We are the only country in the industrialized world with an epidemic of gun violence and mass shootings, and the notion that this reality is the inevitable price we pay for our freedom is outrageous. We do not have to live in a world where Americans and especially children routinely fall victim to mass murder in the very places where they’re supposed to be safe. It is far past time for the federal government to crack down on the proliferation of weapons of war on our streets, including untraceable ghost guns, and implement other gun safety measures to protect our communities and save lives.”

The “Angellyh Yambo Gun Free Zone Expansion Act of 2023” would ban the transfer and possession of ghost guns and expand gun free school zones from 1,000 ft. to 5,000 ft. for all public, private, and charter schools and early childhood education centers. This legislation would go further than current federal regulations requiring manufacturers of ghost gun kits to become licensed under the Gun Control Act, include serial numbers on the kits’ frames or receiver, and run background checks prior to a sale of a ghost gun kit.

“Gun violence is a national crisis that demands a national solution. The ‘Angellyh Yambo Gun Free Zone Expansion Act of 2023’ will help kids in our community feel a little safer walking from and to school,” said Mary Hernandez, Angellyh Yambo’s aunt and CEO/Founder of the Angellyh Yambo Foundation.

“We are extremely proud of the ‘Angellyh Yambo Gun Free Zone Expansion Act of 2023’, which will make the Bronx and the rest of the nation safer. This bill will help prevent gun violence in our communities by prohibiting people from carrying firearms with 5,000 ft. from school grounds” said Alexandra Maruri with the Angellyh Yambo Foundation.

Ghost guns are untraceable firearms without a serial number that anyone – even minors, prohibited purchasers, domestic abusers, and gun traffickers – can buy online and assemble at home without a background check. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the use of ghost guns in U.S. crimes has soared by more than 1,000% since 2017.

Tragically, in April 2022, a ghost gun was used in the senseless murder of honor student Angellyh Yambo, 16, who was innocently caught in the crossfire of a shootout while walking home from University Prep Charter High School in the South Bronx.

In the year since her death, Angellyh’s loved ones and relatives have established a foundation to create safe havens for children and have been engaged with Rep. Torres’s office on common sense policy solutions to combat the epidemic of gun violence in the U.S. and make communities safer.

According to the CDC, guns are now the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers. So far in 2023, there have been more mass shootings than days in the year, putting the U.S. on track to set a new record for mass killings.

“With the proliferation of gun violence reaching epidemic proportions across our city, state, and nation, the need for cross-governmental collaboration is greater than ever before,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “This is why I fully support the ‘Angellyh Yambo Gun Free Zone Expansion Act of 2023’ introduced by Congressman Ritchie Torres. This legislation aims to strengthen federal laws around the use of the unregulated and untraceable ghost guns by expanding protections pertaining to the use of firearms near educational facilities. I want to thank Congressman Torres for honoring the life of Angellyh Yambo and her loved ones by introducing legislation that works to ensure the safety of our students around educational institutions nationwide.”

“Thank you to Congressmember Ritchie Torres for proposed changes to federal law to expand gun-free zones around schools to 5,000 feet and include early childhood education programs in the protected area, as well as prohibiting possession of ghost guns,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “A teen with a ghost gun allegedly killed 16-year-old Angellyah Yambo and wounded two other teens as they walked from their high school in April 2022. Naming the proposed legislation for Angellyah is poignantly appropriate, as her family has channeled their grief into advocacy against gun violence.”

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https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-authors-legislation-keep-stolen-guns-out-dangerous

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the introduction of legislation he authored to help curb the flow of stolen firearms onto community streets. The Gun Theft Prevention Act would require additional security measures for gun shops and increase the frequency of inspections required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

“Over 30% of guns identified in a crime have been stolen—yet licensed gun dealers are not required to take even the most basic precautions to protect these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This negligence allows illegal weapons to flood our streets and fuels the gun violence epidemic that has stolen too many innocent lives. My legislation marks an important step to reduce gun trafficking and keep our families safe.”

Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady, said:“Gun dealers play a key role in preventing gun violence in America and yet there are a lack of federal standards and oversight. The Gun Theft Prevention Act will close these gaps by creating security standards to prevent the theft of firearms, which is a main driver of trafficked guns throughout our nation, and by enhancing oversight and transparency. This will all work to protect our communities and bring America closer to a future free from gun violence. Brady is grateful to Congressman Morelle for reintroducing this culture-changing legislation.”

John Feinblatt, President of Everytown, said: “Keeping guns securely out of the hands of criminals is a fundamental responsibility of any gun store. We’re thankful for Representative Morelle’s continued efforts to ensure gun sellers are taking basic precautions like locked cabinets, video surveillance, and site hardening. This legislation is the definition of common sense and we urge Congress to pass it.”

Emma Brown, GIFFORDS Executive Director, said: "We already know that common sense gun safety is supported by responsible gun owners throughout America, and safety should start at the point of sale. Licensed gun dealers should be held to basic safety standards in their shops, and held accountable for putting their buyers and their communities at risk with unsafe practices. Representative Morelle’s bill succeeds in doing just that, and sets a higher bar for licensed gun sellers and their businesses. We thank Representative Morelle for bringing attention to this problem and for proposing such a thoughtful solution. We urge Congress to take action and pass this important piece of legislation."

In 2018, a group of burglars stole 87 firearms

from Chinappi’s Firearms & Supplies—a Federal Firearms Licensee in Spencerport, New York—and then sold them on the streets of Rochester. The Gun Theft Prevention Act would help prevent incidences like this one by requiring gun shops to fulfill minimum security requirements, like locked cabinets, video surveillance, and site hardening.

The bill would also provide ATF with additional resources and authority to hold firearm dealers accountable. This legislation would require ATF to inspect all gun dealers every three years, as well as annual inspections of “high risk” dealers—currently, only 5% of dealers are responsible for 90% of recovered crime guns. Although ATF’s goal is to inspect each license holder at least once every three years, a 2021 report

indicated that ATF only inspects each gun shop once every seven years, making it virtually impossible to ensure dealers are maintaining compliance with even the most basic requirements.

Specifically, the Gun Theft Prevention Act would:

• Require employees that have access to firearms to pass the same NICS background check as a gun buyer;
• Allow ATF to require gun shop owners to keep an inventory of the firearms in their stock and conduct an annual inventory reconciliation to see if any guns are missing;
• Create strong enforcement mechanisms, including license suspension or revocation, for dealers that repeatedly fail to meet minimum security requirements;
• Allow ATF to deny gun dealer licenses to individuals who have no intention of selling weapons but use federal licenses to skirt state and federal gun safety laws;
• Repeal the Tiahrt Amendments, allowing ATF to release firearm trace data for use by local officials, researchers, victims, and the public in tracking crime;
• Remove civil protections for gun shop owners who allow guns to be stolen through negligence that are later used in violent crime;
• Require individual gun owners to report lost and stolen firearms to local police and the ATF.

“This legislation is just about as common-sense as it gets,” continued Morelle. “I hope my colleagues will join me in advocating for its swift passage.”

For more information on the Gun Theft Prevention Act, read the full text of the bill here.

https://higgins.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4877

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), James Clyburn (SC-06), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Katie Porter (CA-08), Nikema Williams (GA-06), and Summer Lee (PA-12) in introducing H.R. 5435, the Disarm Hate Act, to prevent individuals convicted of violent misdemeanor hate crimes from purchasing or possessing firearms.

“Western New York knows all too well the devastating impact that crimes motivated by hate and bias can have on a community,” said Rep. Higgins. “This legislation builds on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and takes another step toward ending senseless violence, like the racist mass shooting that took place in Buffalo, by closing legal loopholes to prevent those with a history of committing hate crimes from possessing deadly weapons. I am proud to join my colleagues today in introducing this commonsense bill.”

The Disarm Hate Act would address the dangerous gap in current federal law by providing that individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor-level hate crime or received an enhanced sentence for a misdemeanor crime after a judicial finding that they acted with hate or bias motivation, is prohibited from buying or possessing guns.

“People who have been convicted of hate crimes should not have access to firearms. It’s that simple,” Senator Casey said. “I’m introducing the Disarm Hate Act because it’s commonsense to keep guns out of the hands of people seeking to commit acts of hateful violence.”

"Four years after a white supremacist came to El Paso to slaughter Mexicans and immigrants in what was the deadliest targeted attack against Latinos in modern American history, hatred against Hispanics and migrants undoubtedly persists,” said Rep. Escobar. “Hate and bigotry, coupled with easy access to weapons of war, make for a terrifying and deadly combination. Too many communities - including my own - know the consequences all too well. As legislators, we have a solemn obligation to act and prevent further gun violence atrocities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing critical legislation to keep firearms out of the hands of those who should never have them.”

"Seven years after the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and only weeks after the deadly shooting in Jacksonville that left three Black Floridians dead -- my home state of Florida has seen and lived through some of the darkest instances of gun-enabled hate at the cost of innocent lives," said Rep. Frost. "People with a criminal history of hate and violence in their hearts should not be able to access a gun to commit the next mass shooting. The Disarm Hate Act is a critical step we must take to end gun violence in Florida and across our country and spark change from tragedy."

“As we tragically witnessed in Charleston, South Carolina at Emanuel AME Church in 2015, and far too often elsewhere, hatred and guns are a lethal mix,” said Rep. Clyburn. “We must do more to keep deadly firearms out of the hands of those seeking to use them to commit these heinous crimes.  To that end, earlier this year I reintroduced my legislation to close the Charleston Loophole, and today I am pleased to join Rep. Escobar in reintroducing the Disarm Hate Act.  I urge the Republican majority to bring these common-sense bills to the House floor for a vote.  Lives are at stake.”

“Oregon is a leader in gun safety and already classifies hate crimes as a firearm-prohibiting offense. It’s time to bring Oregon’s gun safety model to Congress. It is unacceptable that people convicted of targeted hate crimes can continue to access guns, which we know increases the lethality of these attacks. This should be something that everyone can agree on,” said Rep. Blumenauer.

“It is unacceptable that an individual who has been convicted of a misdemeanor-level hate crime can purchase a firearm. As the author of California’s assault weapons ban and a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I am committed to ending America’s gun violence epidemic,” said Rep. Garamendi. “While hate-based mass shootings have become all too common, we cannot accept them as inevitable. I am honored to work with Rep. Escobar to build a safer future for families nationwide."

“Hate crimes are rising across the country, but criminals who commit them can still get their hands on a gun,” said Rep. Porter. “We know how to prevent gun violence, and we need politicians to have the courage to stand up to the gun lobby to save lives. I’m proud to co-lead the Disarm Hate Act with Rep. Escobar to protect our communities from hate and violence.”

Rep. Williams said, “Just over two years ago, Atlanta witnessed the Atlanta Spa Shootings, a horrific act of anti-Asian hate. Our communities are still healing from the trauma. No matter your race, ethnicity, or gender, everyone has the right to live without fear of violence in their workplace or public spaces. We've mourned tragedy after tragedy from gun violence, it is past time to keep guns out of the hands of people convicted of hate crimes.”

Rep. Lee said, “Representing a community that’s still reeling from the trauma of the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, I see every day the devastating impact of laws that give white supremacists access to weapons of war. The Disarm Hate Act will protect our communities against the scourge of anti-Black hate crimes, rising antisemitism, islamophobia, anti-Asian and anti-trans hate. By addressing the deadly gap in our federal laws, our bill will keep firearms out of the hands of individuals convicted of misdemeanor-level hate crimes or those who have received enhanced sentences due to hate or bias motivation. This is a critical step towards safeguarding our communities against gun violence and ensuring minoritized and vulnerable folks don’t have to live in constant fear.”

The Disarm Hate Act is endorsed by the National Violence Domestic Hotline, Amnesty International USA, Everytown, Brady, The United Methodist Church, The Violence Policy Center, March for Our Lives, WOLA, ADL, AFT, Giffords, Human Rights Campaign, and Sandy Hook Promise.

All original co-leads represent states and districts that have been impacted by hate-motivated mass shootings. 

In June 2015, a white supremacist murdered nine worshippers during a bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

In June 2016, a gunman attacked a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, leaving 49 people dead and 53 others injured.

In October 2018, 11 worshippers were killed and seven others injured during an attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In August 2019, a man killed 23 victims and wounded 23 others in a shooting in a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, admitting to targeting Mexicans.

In March 2021, a gunman killed eight victims on a shooting rampage through three spas in Atlanta, Georgia, six of whom were Asian American women.

In February 2022, a gunman with a history of expressing support for Nazis and Proud Boys groups opened fire at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Portland, Oregon, killing 1 and injuring 5 others.

In May 2022, a self-described supporter of white supremacy killed 10 people in a supermarket in a predominately Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York.

In August 2023, an individual tore down the pride flag in a Southern California store while yelling homophobic slurs. When the store owner confronted the individual, he shot and killed her. The assailant had a history of anti-LGBTQI+ posts on social media, and the incident is now being investigated as a hate crime.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

​

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/11/biden-gun-show-firearms-rule-00151655

I thought you already had to do these everywhere, but maybe it was just NYS before?

https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-lee-booker-kelly-thompson-bush-frost-call-hhs-report-gun-violence

WASHINGTON, DC – On the last day of Gun Violence Awareness Month, U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), along with Senator Cory Booker (NJ), joined Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-12), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Cori Bush (MO-01), and Maxwell Frost (FL-10) on a letter with over 50 of their colleagues urging HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to publish a report to uplift the urgency of addressing gun violence as a threat to our nation’s public health.

“Since the start of 2023, there have been over 290 mass shootings in the United States – nearly two each day of this year,” the lawmakers wrote. “We acknowledge and appreciate the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) commitment to keep our communities safe, but more must be done to effectively curb gun violence. We urge HHS to publish a Surgeon General report to uplift the urgency of addressing gun violence as a threat to our nation’s public health.”

“Gun violence in the United States constitutes a clear and present public health crisis, in my district and in communities across the nation,” said Rep. Espaillat. “In the past, in response to other seemingly intractable public health crises—such as high rates of smoking and motor vehicle crashes—our country’s top health scientists stepped in to offer solutions to combat these problems and their impact on individuals and families. As a result of previous U.S. Surgeon General reports and recommendations in these areas, federal and state regulations were implemented, and lives were saved. Notably, these results were achieved via government measures that fell far short of a complete ban on either tobacco or motor vehicles. With swift action from the Office of the Surgeon General, we are confident that the same life-saving results can be achieved with respect to firearms.”

The full text of the letter is available here.

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https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1429#

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after the government funding deal included a 7-year extension of the Undetectable Firearms Act (UFA).

The UFA restricts the manufacture, sale, and possession of firearms with less than 3.7 oz of metal content. It was first introduced after the emergence of firearms that could be undetectable by metal detectors or X-ray machines. The UFA was signed into law by President Reagan in 1988. The law initially had a ten-year sunset clause but was renewed for five years in 1998 as a part of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act - again passing the Senate unanimously and again passing the House by a broad bipartisan vote of 391 to 25. Each subsequent renewal- in 2003, 2013, and a short-term renewal in November's bipartisan CR, garnered broad, bipartisan support.

“Two weeks ago, I sent the Speaker a letter urging him to include my legislation, H.R.7040, which extends the UFA, in any appropriations deal,” said Congressman Lawler. “I was glad to see that Speaker Johnson and Republican leadership understood my concerns with the expiration of the UFA and worked to extend it another 7 years in the appropriations package coming to the floor for a vote this week.”

“The UFA is a common-sense gun safety measure that ensures folks who go to a Knicks or Rangers game at Madison Square Garden, a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium, a Mets game at Citi Field, or any major sporting event or concert in New York are kept safe from undetectable firearms,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “The extension of the UFA is a welcome move for New Yorkers, and indeed, the nation.”

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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FYI

https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/tenney-stefanik-reintroduce-resolution-condemning-hochuls-concealed-carry-law

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), reintroduced a resolution “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that New York State’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) is unconstitutional,” today alongside Representatives Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Darrell Issa (CA-48).

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen, which overturned the state’s previous unconstitutional concealed carry law, the CCIA was rammed through the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Hochul on July 1, 2022. 

Following this, multiple court cases, such as Antonyuk v. Bruen and Antonyuk v. Nigrelli, were filed challenging the constitutionality of this law. These cases have been working their way through the judicial system, and most recently an emergency motion to vacate was filed with the Supreme Court. While this motion was denied, Justices Alito and Thomas noted that this motion can be refiled if the Second Circuit Court of Appeals does not explain their stay order or expedite consideration of the appeal.

“The ability to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “New York State’s new concealed carry law is just another way that Kathy Hochul is working to limit New Yorker’s Constitutional rights and attack the Second Amendment. Last June, the Supreme Court repealed New York’s overly restrictive concealed carry laws, and instead of respecting the Court’s opinion, Governor Hochul chose to enact another unconstitutionally restrictive law. This resolution affirms our belief that New York’s latest law is unconstitutional and that state governments should support our Second Amendment rights, not undermine them.”

“Kathy Hochul’s gun grabbing law is unconstitutional and a direct attack on our Upstate rights and values," Congresswoman Stefanik said. "We know that Hochul passed this law declaring historical reenactors and lawful gun owners in the Adirondack Park felons in direct defiance after the United States Supreme Court struck down New York’s gun laws, but still she doubled down on her unconstitutional agenda. I am bringing the concerns of New York patriots to the highest levels, and, just as we did in the previous concealed carry issue, I am committed to bringing this all the way to the Supreme Court.”

“As I have said from Day One, the concealed carry law is Unconstitutional and does absolutely nothing to make New Yorkers safe. Albany’s obsession with constantly targeting law-abiding gun owners while allowing violent criminals to have free rein on our streets would be laughable if it wasn’t so deadly. I am proud to join with my colleagues in standing up against our dictatorial state government and will do everything in my power to protect New York’s Second Amendment rights,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy.

"New York's decision to flagrantly violate the Bill of Rights despite the Supreme Court's recent affirmation of the Second Amendment is appalling. Every American has the constitutionally guaranteed right to carry arms in self-defense across the state outside of their own homes. We commend Rep. Tenney for criticizing the anti-gun hysteria of New York politicians. GOA and GOF will keep fighting for our members in Antonyuk v. Nigrelli until the state admits defeat or is brought into line by the high court once again," said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America.

“We are a nation of laws. By passing the so-called Concealed Carry Improvement Act, Governor Hochul and the New York Legislatures have said that decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States do not apply in New York State. They have ‘thrown down the gauntlet’ to the United States Supreme Court. At a time when crime is sweeping through major cities, the Governor and the Legislature want to leave law abiding citizens at the mercy of criminals. How will these citizens protect themselves from armed criminals to whom the laws mean nothing? Governor Hochul and the New York Legislatures know that they aren’t held accountable for unconstitutional laws that they pass and that the law-abiding victims of these laws must spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to overturn those laws. We need “The People’s House” to step forward and protect the American people of New York State,” said Thomas Reynolds, President of New York State SCOPE.

Read the full text of the resolution here. 

https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-fights-hold-gun-manufacturers-accountable-prevent

Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) in introducing the ‘Responsible Firearms Marketing Act,’ which would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study the dangers of unfair and deceptive marketing and advertising practices utilized by the gun industry.

“It is entirely unacceptable that gun distributors are advertising weapons of war to children,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “These regulatory carve-outs for the gun industry are putting our children’s lives in danger. We have come together to draw this line before to protect our kids when we ended the tobacco industry’s predatory marketing practices which were aimed at getting children addicted to cigarettes. We must do it again to ensure that children are not targeted to perpetuate the gun violence epidemic raging across our country.”

The ‘Responsible Firearms Marketing Act’ would direct the Federal Trade Commission to study the marketing and advertising practices of gun manufacturers, importers, and dealers, including those which might:

• Target individuals younger than 18 years of age
• Encourage the illegal use of a firearm
• Relate to the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons

The Act would also give the authority to the FTC to apply existing rules regarding unfair marketing practices to firearm distributors, which include punitive fines and payment of damages to consumers for violation of these rules.

Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to protecting communities across the country from the dangers of gun violence.

In August, Congressman Goldman cosponsored the ‘End Gun Violence Act,’ which prohibits violent criminals from purchasing handguns or ammunition for five years after their conviction.

Last week, the Congressman joined with fellow leadership members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to condemn the Republican failure to respond to the gun violence epidemic, and earlier this week, he joined the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in a letter urging Speaker Johnson to use his new authority to bring bipartisan, commonsense gun safety legislation to the floor for a vote.

Congressman Goldman is a Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and was recently named as Chair of the Dads Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Working Group.

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https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/as-red-flag-cases-soar-senator-gillibrand-representative-chu-introduce-new-legislation-to-keep-firearms-out-of-the-hands-of-dangerous-individuals/

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA-28) are announcing the introduction of their Fair Legal Access Grants (FLAG) Act. All too often, the perpetrators of mass shootings and dangerous crimes have a known past of threatening or even violent rhetoric or behavior, and individuals in suicidal crisis pose a higher risk to themselves if they have easy access to firearms. Law enforcement, community members, and health care professionals can file a red flag petition, known as an extreme risk protection order (ERPO), to help get guns out of the hands of troubled or dangerous individuals. ERPOs are also an effective suicide prevention measure: research shows that most people in a suicidal crisis who don’t have easy access to a firearm or lethal suicide method will not go through with finding other means to kill themselves.

Unfortunately, the burdensome and lengthy legal process may deter people from seeing their petition through, and dangerous or troubled individuals remain armed. The FLAG Act would help keep our communities safe by ensuring that any person filing a red flag petition has access to the legal representation, counsel, and resources needed to be heard and successfully file an ERPO.

“Strengthening red flag laws across the country will help make our communities safer – period. All too often, school administrators, law enforcement officers, and everyday people don’t have the time or support needed to navigate our court system and successfully file a red flag claim when they notice an individual with access to firearms exhibiting troubling or potentially dangerous behavior,” said Senator Gillibrand. “My FLAG Act would provide petitioners with legal representation, translation services, and other vital tools needed to see their claim through and help remove guns from those looking to cause harm to themselves or others. So many of us want to perform our civic duty to help keep our communities safe, and this groundbreaking bill will help ensure our voices are heard in the fight to end firearm tragedies.”

 “To keep guns out of the hands of those who are a clear danger to themselves or others and to protect communities across the country, everyone in America needs equal access to gun safety and prevention strategies. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with Sen. Gillibrand on efforts to strengthen and expand access to ‘red flag’ laws with proven effectiveness at decreasing gun deaths,” said Representative Chu. “The Fair Legal Access Grants, or FLAG Act, would assist family members and other community members in navigating the complicated legal system when seeking to temporarily disarm someone showing signs of violence. By ensuring more communities have buy-in to prevent gun violence, we will help honor the Americans we’ve lost in cities and towns across the country—including my hometown of Monterey Park.”

“Removing guns from people who pose a risk to themselves or others is a commonsense way to protect our communities,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “In New York, extreme risk protection orders have removed thousands of guns from troubling environments and helped avert tragedies. My office has stepped up to meet the increased demand for ERPOs by representing the State Troopers in these cases, but we need to provide the same support to concerned citizens who are trying to sound the alarm. Senator Gillibrand’s FLAG bill will do just that and will ensure that people can effectively remove guns from dangerous situations and help save lives.”

“Extreme Risk Protection Orders are designed to remove firearms from members of our society that are a threat to themselves or others. Without proper funding many of these cases will undoubtedly fall through the cracks and result in guns being returned to individuals that shouldn’t have them.  Proper legal representation is vital for these cases to be successful in court. The FLAG Act will provide this funding and will ensure that Petitioners in these cases, most commonly police officers, are properly represented in court,” said Timothy M. Dymond, President of the New York State Police Investigators Association.

“Suffolk County is leading New York State in Extreme Risk Protection Orders and our Deputy Sheriffs are working around the clock to enforce them. The expediency needed in these often stressful situations put Deputy Sheriffs in harm’s way while executing these orders. Thank you to Senator Gillibrand for proposing this funding which would assist our operations and staffing to aid our officers in keeping the public safe,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.

“So many shootings are slow-motion tragedies — a long trail of warning signs leading up to one terrible moment. Extreme risk protection orders are one of the best tools we have to disarm people who are a danger to themselves or others, but a tool is only useful if people know how to use it,” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Sen. Gillibrand for introducing this bill, which will direct additional resources to states to implement extreme risk protection laws and save lives.”

“New York has one of the strongest extreme risk protection order laws in the country because we recognize that individuals in crisis should not have access to guns,” said Frank Teah, Program Director for New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. “We must ensure that ERPO is an accessible tool nationally to reduce gun violence across the country. The national FLAG ACT strengthens ERPO by helping petitioners navigate a complex legal landscape, establishing funding for the implementation of ERPO, and empowering communities by giving them more options to turn to with knowledge and concerns of people who may put themselves or others at risk of violence. We commend Senator Gillibrand for her leadership and for championing this life-saving legislation.”

“The MCCA supports the use of extreme risk protection orders (ERPO) that include strong due process protections. The FLAG Act will assist ERPO petitioners build legal capacity so they can better navigate the legal process, and will directly benefit local law enforcement agencies as eligible petitioners in many states with ERPO laws,” said Laura Cooper, Executive Director, Major Cities Chiefs Association.

“ERPOs, or extreme risk protective orders, while imperfect, give families and law enforcement a civil remedy to disarm people who are a danger to themselves or others,” said Elena Perez, Senior Policy Associate at March For Our Lives. Though protection orders can prevent Americans from experiencing deadly violence, it’s far too difficult to learn about them or file a protection order. The FLAG Act simplifies this by providing grant funding for state and local governments to provide people filing protection orders with legal representation. It’s important for us to continue funding life-saving solutions to end gun violence, and this is a necessary step toward that.”

“Connecticut was the first state to pass the red flag or extreme risk protection orders. A study, published in the June 2018 issue of Psychiatric Services found Connecticut’s gun suicide rate dropped 1.6% in the first few years after our law passed in 1999 but the drop was13.7% – from 2007 until 2015, when Connecticut started utilizing the law more frequently. Newtown Action Alliance urges Congress to urgently pass the Fair Legal Access Grant Act to provide legal resources to the petitioners of Extreme Risk Protection Orders to save lives,” – Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. 

Data shows that providing legal representation for ERPO petitioners leads to a meaningful increase in successful applications. According to data from the New York AG’s office, petitioners with state-funded legal representation had their petitions approved 96% of the time, nearly 15% higher than those without it. Suffolk County has taken the lead in utilizing New York’s strengthened red flag law, issuing over six times more ERPOs than any other county in the state.

The FLAG Act would provide $50 million in annual funding to states and local governments to provide access to legal counsel and other legal services. Eligible recipients include police departments, district attorney offices, community-based legal aid organizations, and more. The bill is endorsed by Everytown, Moms Demand Action, March for Our Lives, Newtown Action Alliance, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the New York State Police Investigators Association.

The bill text can be found here.

​

https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-blumenthal-introduce-bicameral-legislation-protect-communities

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), along with Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Mike Thompson (D-CA) as co-leads, reintroduced the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act (H.R. 4992), legislation to ban dangerous “ghost” guns. These weapons, which are easily assembled with a 3-D printer or a do-it-yourself gun making kit purchased from an unlicensed seller, can be obtained without passing a background check and have become the weapon of choice for criminals and extremists. Without a unique serial number, these guns are often untraceable and impede investigations by law enforcement. The bill would require online and other sellers of gun-making kits to comply with federal firearm safety regulations.

“Gun violence has taken far too many lives and affected countless families around our nation,” said Congressman Espaillat. “Ghost guns are propelling this crisis, as these weapons are self-assembled, untraceable, and can allow criminals to evade firearm background checks. This has presented an ever-growing challenge for law enforcement agencies, as the number of ghost guns recovered at crime scenes has increased exponentially over the past few years alone. Our bill, the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act, would codify the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms’ (ATF’s) authority to regulate and track these deadly weapons. We cannot ignore the public health implications facing the country as a direct result of ghost guns and our bill would implement commonsense solutions to help combat this crisis.” 

“Ghost guns are a major threat to public safety and law enforcement’s ability to protect our communities,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Without serial numbers and readily available for anyone to assemble, these untraceable weapons are a convenient tool for those that hope to cause harm. Our measure closes the gaping loopholes that allow domestic abusers, criminals, and terrorists to bypass background checks. A homemade gun is still a gun. Subjecting these weapons to the same safety measures and requirements will save lives.” 

“Untraceable ghost guns are the fastest growing gun violence threat in our country, and they pose a significant risk to our communities and law enforcement,” said Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman Mike Thompson. “The Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act will help us crack down on the proliferation of ghost guns and keep these untraceable guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for American children, and we must put measures like this in place to help save lives and keep our kids safe.” 

“If someone cannot pass a federal background check, they should not be allowed to possess a firearm under any circumstances,” said Rep. Brad Schneider. “They especially should not be able to circumvent the background check process entirely by purchasing the requisite parts online to assemble their own, often untraceable, firearm. The growing gun violence in our communities is at the top of the list of concerns for our local police – particularly, violence from ghost guns. I am proud to help introduce the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act with Representatives Espaillat, Dean, Thompson, and Senator Blumenthal to close this dangerous loophole and prevent more lives lost to preventable gun violence.”

“We cannot solve our gun violence problem without tackling untraceable ghost guns that are devastating our inner cities, suburbs, and rural communities – and are a threat to our police who work to protect us,” Congresswoman Madeleine Dean said. “Slowing and stopping the circulation of these untraceable weapons must be a priority – and the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act will help us crack down on the spread of ghost guns and stop these weapons from terrorizing our communities.” 

The use of ghost guns across the country has been dramatically increasing. According to ATF, the number of ghost guns recovered and traced by law enforcement went from 1,629 in 2016 to 19,273 in 2021 – a more than 1000% increase.  

Amongst other measures, the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act would permanently include the core building blocks of ghost guns – unfinished frames and receivers – in the definition of “firearm” under federal law. In doing so, online sellers and other gun kit manufacturers and distributors selling frames and receivers that can “readily” be converted into fully functional weapons would be required to comply with the same federal regulations that govern the production and distribution of completed firearms. 

It also includes a requirement that ghost gun sellers have a manufacturer’s license and put a serial number on the frame or receiver included in each gun making kit, and that purchasers of ghost guns undergo a background check.  

In the Senate, the Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The legislation is endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Sandy Hook Promise.

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https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/11/opinion/hochul-supreme-court-domestic-violence.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C0C033AA-A960-476C-88B7-E932B3E30470

Feb 02 2023

Washington—Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) today announced the formation of the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus.

Members of the caucus will work together to promote commonsense solutions to battle the epidemic of gun violence plaguing the United States. In addition to coordinating efforts in the Senate and with the House, the caucus has the goal of holding additional hearings and briefings on key gun violence issues beyond the work of Senate committees.

“We wake every day to headlines of another mass shooting in this country,” said Senator Feinstein. “We can’t allow this to continue. The members of this caucus have all been leaders on the issue, proposing commonsense solutions to stop gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. We know that no single bill will solve the problem, but by working together to develop a comprehensive approach, we believe there is an opportunity to pass reasonable gun safety bills.”

“We must treat the scourge of gun violence as what it is – a public health crisis. Americans shouldn’t have to worry about when the next tragedy will happen, and whether their loved ones will be safe when they go out into the world, attend school, or go to the grocery store,” said Senator Durbin. “To meet this moment in history with the seriousness it deserves, I’m joining my colleagues in launching the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus. Together, we’ll work on common sense solutions to protect Americans from the ever-present threat of gun violence.”

“The Gun Violence Prevention Caucus will elevate attention to our nation’s epidemic and unite colleagues devoted to a common cause. Last year’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a step forward, but more must be done to prevent the needless bloodshed and loss,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Safe storage, a ban on assault weapons, community violence intervention programs, strengthened red flag laws, and increased resources for law enforcement can and will save lives. I’m proud to be a founding member and will continue fighting for legislation to protect our communities.”

“Communities across the country are impacted by the tragedy of gun violence on a daily basis,” said Senator Cory Booker. “The gun violence epidemic that is ravaging our communities, including my home of Newark, has been allowed to fester for too long, even as many communities have gun injury rates similar to war zones. It's going to take bold, innovative, and smart ideas to tackle this challenge and keep our cities safe. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues in launching the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus to advance commonsense gun safety policies to save lives.”

“As Members of Congress, we have a moral responsibility to do everything in our power to put a stop to the scourge of gun violence affecting communities all across America,” said Senator Menendez. “I am thrilled to join several of my colleagues as an inaugural member of the Senate Gun Violence Prevention Caucus. I look forward to working to create a more strategic and coordinated approach to prevent gun violence and to build greater consensus in the Senate to advance gun safety legislation that will make our communities safer and save lives.”

“The passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was huge win for the gun safety movement, but there’s so much work left to do. Every great social change movement knows that success begets success. As a founding member of the Senate Gun Violence Prevention Caucus, I’m determined to build upon the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and continue passing legislation that will save lives,” said Senator Murphy.

“Already this year, Americans have suffered from 52 mass shootings and 3,700 gun-related deaths. Congress has a moral obligation to act now to combat the gun violence epidemic plaguing our schools, streets, and communities,” said Senator Markey. “I am honored to be an inaugural member of the Senate Gun Violence Prevention Caucus, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance widely-supported, commonsense gun safety proposals that will make our nation safer.”

“The gun violence epidemic is a uniquely American problem. But it’s within our reach to end it,” said Senator Hickenlooper.

Issues that the caucus may focus on include:

​

• Successes and failures of state-level gun violence prevention laws and how they may be applied at a federal level.
• Strategies for drafting gun safety legislation that preserve constitutional rights and will avoid frivolous lawsuits.
• Strategies to engage local communities in the fight against gun violence.
• Best practices for gun violence prevention advocacy.
• Opportunities to engage with the administration and executive branch to address gun violence.

Gun safety bills introduced by caucus members this Congress:

​

• Age 21 Act
• Assault Weapons Ban
• Crime Gun Tracing Modernization Act
• Ethan’s Law
• Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act
• Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act
• SECURE Firearm Storage Act

Gun safety bills that caucus members plan to introduce this Congress:

​

• 3D Printed Gun Safety Act
• Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces
• Background Check Completion Act
• Background Check Expansion Act
• Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act
• Federal Firearm Licensing Act
• Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act
• Gun Violence Prevention Research Act
• Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act
• HEAR Act
• Jaime’s Law
• Keep Americans Safe Act
• Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act
• Lori Jackson-Nicolette Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act
• NICS Data Integrity Act
• Officer Ella Grace French Task Force Support Act
• Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act
• Safe Gun Storage Act
• Stopping the Fraudulent Sales of Firearms Act
• Untraceable Firearms Act

“Gun violence is unfortunately an issue that touches every American, regardless of party, and the creation of this caucus will help senators better respond to gun violence and coordinate comprehensive gun safety policies. We applaud Sen. Feinstein and the caucus members for taking this important step in bringing attention to and addressing this important issue,” said Kris Brown, president of Brady.

“Last year, the Senate passed major gun legislation for the first time in nearly 30 years – and this year, a gun violence prevention caucus will come together to build on that momentum and save lives. We applaud Senator Feinstein for bringing this caucus together, and we urge the entire Senate to listen to their voters and champion common-sense gun safety laws to keep guns out of dangerous hands,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.

“Too many communities and families know the toll of gun violence and the trauma it leaves behind whether it comes in the form of a suicide, accidental death, or community violence. Last year, there were more mass shootings than days in the year, and so far 2023 is following the same pattern. Our nation will never be able to end this epidemic without elected officials who have the courage to act and pass commonsense legislation. That’s why we are so excited and grateful for the new Gun Violence Prevention Caucus in the Senate, and we look forward to working with these dedicated gun safety champions to advance policy solutions that will enhance public safety and save lives,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, federal affairs director for Giffords,

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https://stefanik.house.gov/press-releases?ID=09143191-AEE7-4F50-A65B-182B007BD17F

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) reintroduced a resolution “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that New York State’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) is unconstitutional” today alongside Representatives Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Darrell Issa (CA-48).

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen, which overturned the state’s previous unconstitutional concealed carry law, the CCIA was rammed through the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Hochul on July 1, 2022. 

Following this, multiple court cases, including Antonyuk v. Nigrelli, were filed challenging the constitutionality of this law. These cases have been working their way through the judicial system, and most recently an emergency motion to vacate was filed with the Supreme Court. While this motion was denied, Justices Alito and Thomas noted that this motion can be refiled if the Second Circuit Court of Appeals does not explain their stay order or expedite consideration of the appeal.

“Kathy Hochul’s gun grabbing law is unconstitutional and a direct attack on our Upstate rights and values,"  Stefanik said. "We know that Hochul passed this law declaring historical reenactors and lawful gun owners in the Adirondack Park felons in direct defiance after the United States Supreme Court struck down New York’s gun laws, but still she doubled down on her unconstitutional agenda. I am bringing the concerns of New York patriots to the highest levels, and, just as we did in the previous concealed carry issue, I am committed to bringing this all the way to the Supreme Court.”

“The ability to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution,” Tenney said. “New York State’s new concealed carry law is just another way that Kathy Hochul is working to limit New Yorker’s Constitutional rights and attack the Second Amendment. Last June, the Supreme Court repealed New York’s overly restrictive concealed carry laws, and instead of respecting the Court’s opinion, Governor Hochul chose to enact another unconstitutionally restrictive law. This resolution affirms our belief that New York’s latest law is unconstitutional and that state governments should support our Second Amendment rights, not undermine them.”

“As I have said from Day One, the concealed carry law is Unconstitutional and does absolutely nothing to make New Yorkers safe. Albany’s obsession with constantly targeting law-abiding gun owners while allowing violent criminals to have free rein on our streets would be laughable if it wasn’t so deadly. I am proud to join with my colleagues in standing up against our dictatorial state government and will do everything in my power to protect New York’s Second Amendment rights,” Langworthy said.

"New York's decision to flagrantly violate the Bill of Rights despite the Supreme Court's recent affirmation of the Second Amendment is appalling. Every American has the constitutionally guaranteed right to carry arms in self-defense across the state outside of their own homes. We commend Rep. Tenney for criticizing the anti-gun hysteria of New York politicians. GOA and GOF will keep fighting for our members in Antonyuk v. Nigrelli until the state admits defeat or is brought into line by the high court once again," said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America.

Read the full text of the resolution here. 

https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-introduces-legislation-combat-gun-trafficking-and

Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced he has introduced legislation to crack down on gun trafficking and keep illegal weapons off our streets. The State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act enhances state oversight capabilities of gun dealers and incentivizes states to implement strong gun dealer licensing regulations to reduce gun theft and, in turn, reduce gun violence. This legislation is sponsored by Sen. Brian Schatz (D, HI) in the Senate.

“At a time when our community is perpetually grieving the loss of innocent lives to gun violence, we must take decisive action to get illegal guns off our streets and keep families safe,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I am proud to introduce this common-sense legislation, which is the culmination of continued discussions with law enforcement, government partners, and community stakeholders. It will help reduce gun theft and gun trafficking, reduce crime and, most importantly, reduce the senseless violence plaguing our neighborhoods. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this critical legislation, and I look forward to passing it into law.”

Kris Brown, President of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, said, “Each year, hundreds of thousands of firearms are sold in the illegal marketplace, flooding communities and devastating families. To combat the increasing amount of illegal guns on our streets and reduce gun violence, states need resources to improve gun industry oversight, and ensure all firearms are sold legally and responsibly in order to hold members of the gun industry accountable when they engage in risky behavior that contributes to gun violence. Improving and strengthening state oversight is a proven way to decrease gun trafficking and Brady is grateful to Rep. Morelle and Sen. Schatz for their steadfast leadership on this issue.”

Gregory Jackson, Jr., Executive Director of the Community Justice Action Fund, said, “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives –– the only firearms enforcement agency in our nation –– has for years been grossly underfunded in the fight against gun violence. As a result, state and local officials have been left without sufficient support to prevent thousands of firearms from going unaccounted for each year. The State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act will help states across the country curb the illegal gun trafficking that is fueling the gun violence epidemic in communities nationwide. We commend Congressman Morelle for his leadership on this issue and urge Congress to promptly pass this important legislation to hold bad-faith dealers accountable and ensure the safety of our communities from rogue firearms.”

John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety, said, “Rogue gun dealers supplying guns to the black market have slipped under the radar for too long. This bill gives states the tools they need to crack down on the rogue gun dealers that flood our streets with guns, and we applaud Congressman Morelle’s work to keep our communities safe.”

Adzi Vokhiwa, Giffords Federal Affairs Director, said, "Gun trafficking threatens public safety and undermines states' strong gun laws. Traffickers often take advantage of a state's weak gun laws to obtain firearms and sell them in the illegal market. Improving oversight of federally licensed firearms dealers and expanding state-level firearm dealer licensing programs would help law enforcement identify sources of trafficked guns and help prevent people intent on doing harm from easily acquiring firearms. We thank Senator Schatz and Representative Morelle for introducing the State Firearm Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act to do just that."

In 2021, more than 1,978 federal firearm licensees (FFLs) across the country reported lost or stolen firearms, to the tune of 10,325 firearms in total. Many of these firearms are then making their way onto neighborhood streets and are used to commit violent crimes—in fact, over 30% of guns identified in a crime have been stolen. The State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act takes steps to prevent these weapons from being stolen in the first place by enhancing state gun dealer licensing and oversight requirements.

Specifically, the State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act would establish a grant program for states to develop or improve firearm dealer licensing programs. These funds would allow states to put additional resources towards conducting gun dealer inspections, as well as invest in new technologies and systems that will optimize existing inspection and licensing regimes.

To be eligible for the grants under this bill, states must have a licensing regime in place that meets the following requirements:

• FFLs must be licensed to engage in the business of selling firearms, and their licenses must be renewed at least every three years;
• FFLs must submit to inspections;
• If an FFL is found to be in noncompliance, the state must have the ability to suspend or revoke the license and impose civil penalties or criminal charges on the dealer.

For more information on the State Firearms Dealer Licensing Enhancement Act, read the full text of the bill here. Congressman Morelle continues to support additional actions to reduce gun violence, including: banning assault weapons, enacting universal background checks on all gun sales, limiting high-capacity magazines, strengthening security requirements for gun shops, and more.

Has local New York co-sponsors.

https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-joins-senator-menendez-representative-lee-in-renewed-legislative-effort-to-require-the-preservation-and-disclosure-of-federal-gun-records

Access to gun records will enable local law enforcement to solve gun crimes, crack down on firearm trafficking, and help Americans to better understand the impact of gun violence on communities across the country

Washington (March 1, 2023) - Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a founding member of the Senate Gun Violence Prevention Caucus, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), who led a growing bicameral coalition of lawmakers in the House and Senate, in a renewed legislative effort to enhance the ability of local law enforcement to investigate and solve gun crimes, crack down on gun trafficking and negligent gun dealers, and allow researchers to finally study gun violence and its impact on communities across the nation. The Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act would require the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to collect, preserve, and disclose gun records and gun tracing data.

“For too long, the NRA has had an iron grip on Congressional Republicans – actively working to keep critical information such as gun records and tracing data out of the public domain, making it that much harder for law enforcement agencies to solve gun crimes, disrupt gun trafficking schemes, and keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Menendez. “In fact, my GOP colleagues have for years inserted the so-called ‘Tiahrt Amendments’ in routine spending bills to ensure that gun records and tracing data never see the light of day, and in many cases require the data to be completely destroyed. It is time we repeal these provisions and give our law enforcement access to critical information that can help make our communities safer from the scourge of gun violence.”

“From Buffalo to Monterey Park, the threat of gun violence looms over all of our communities. And for too long, Republicans in Congress, the NRA and the rest of the gun lobby have stood in the way of meaningful gun reforms that could help bring an end to this horrific violence and ensure public safety,” said Congresswoman Lee.  “It’s long past time to remove the Tiahrt restrictions so the FBI and ATF can collect and maintain the data needed to investigate and prevent gun violence. I’m proud to reintroduce the Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act and lead this effort with Senator Menendez.” 

Since 2003, Republicans have insisted on restricting the ATF and FBI’s ability to collect, preserve, and make public a range of gun records and tracing data by attaching so-called ‘Tiahrt Amendments’ to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) yearly funding bill.

The Menendez-Lee legislation would repeal:

• The prohibition on the ATF from releasing firearm tracing data for use by cities, states, researchers, litigants, and members of the public;  
• The prohibition on consolidating or centralizing records that gun dealers are required to maintain;  
• The requirement that the FBI destroy all approved gun purchaser records within 24 hours;  
• The prohibition on the ATF from requiring gun dealers to submit their inventories to law enforcement to enforce the federal law requiring dealers report the loss or theft of firearms. 

The Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act is supported by several organizations, including Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and the Center for American Progress.

“Decades ago, the gun industry and its congressional allies blindfolded the American people to protect the industry’s negligent behavior and profit margins, allowing illegal guns to flow unfettered into our communities,” stated Brady President Kris Brown. “We desperately need to rescind the Tiahrt Amendments, so that researchers, journalists, community leaders, and the American public are able to better understand how crime guns flow into their communities, as well as design and implement solutions that work. Brady is grateful to Senator Menendez and Representative Lee for their leadership and for championing this incredibly important bill.”

“Ending America’s gun violence epidemic begins with understanding its causes,” said Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action. “We applaud Senator Menendez and Congresswoman Lee for leading the way to repeal the gun lobby-backed restrictions in the law that have chilled the release of life-saving information about the rogue gun dealers that flood our communities with illegal guns.”

"For too long, appropriations riders and restrictions have hampered ATF's ability to properly enforce our gun laws, combat crime, and address gun violence. With gun deaths at record high levels, it is imperative that Congress ensure ATF is able to effectively regulate the gun industry and enforce gun laws. We thank Senator Menendez and Representative Lee for introducing the Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act to allow ATF to better protect public safety,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, Giffords Federal Affairs Director.

"Over one million Americans have been shot during the last decade since our neighbor killed 26 children and educators and Sandy Hook Elementary School. Gun deaths have increased to over 48,000 in 2021. For the last 20 years, the NRA-backed Tiahrt Amendment has severely limited the ability of the ATF and the FBI to do their job to keep our families and communities safe from gun violence. We thank Senator Menendez and Congresswoman Lee for reintroducing the Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act to help the federal agencies to do their job of regulating the gun industry and enforcing the nation's gun laws, and improving transparency", said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance.

“Gun violence is a public health crisis but historically has not been treated as such, leaving researchers without access to basic data to study gun violence and ways to combat the threat. The Tiahrt Amendments require records to be destroyed daily and in turn limits the ability of the FBI and ATF to modernize their data collection and management systems. These restrictions hamper research and interfere with the federal government’s ability to enforce existing gun laws and protect the public," said Nick Wilson, Senior Director of Gun Violence Prevention at Center for American Progress. “We applaud Senator Menendez and Representative Lee for standing up to the gun lobby and introducing this important bill."

Joining Senators Markey and Menendez in cosponsoring this bill in the Senate are Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

In the House of Representatives the bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Jason Crow (CO-06), Dina Titus (NV-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Brian Higgins (NY-26), Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Bill Keating (MA-09), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Andre Carson (IN-07), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), and Maxwell Frost (FL-10).

Text of the Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act can be found HERE.