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Biden-Harris Administration Implements Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to Fight Gun Crime
The Biden administration has announced a groundbreaking new rule aimed at reducing the number of firearms sold without proper background checks. This rule expands the requirements set forth in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a significant step towards closing the gun show loophole. President Biden has emphasized the importance of this action in saving lives and preventing firearms from ending up in the wrong hands.
President’s Statement
President Biden states, “I have witnessed the devastating impact of gun violence on families across the country. Today, our Administration is taking action to ensure that fewer guns are sold without background checks. This measure will help prevent domestic abusers and felons from obtaining firearms illegally. We will continue to prioritize efforts to save lives, and urge Congress to pass universal background checks legislation.”
The federal gun background check system stands as a crucial tool in preventing individuals prohibited from owning or purchasing firearms, such as domestic abusers and violent criminals, from obtaining guns. However, existing loopholes in the background check laws have enabled illicit firearm acquisitions by individuals involved in criminal activities. Throughout the past two decades, several bipartisan attempts have been made to address these gaps, with the most recent success being the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed into law by President Biden in 2022.
Building on this legislation, the Biden-Harris Administration has now released a final rule clarifying the requirements for gun sellers to obtain licenses and conduct background checks. This rule sets stringent standards for individuals engaged in firearm dealing, providing the necessary tools for law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance and enhance community safety.
Impact of Background Check Loopholes
Since the inception of federal law mandating background checks for firearm sales in 1994, millions of prohibited individuals have been prevented from purchasing guns. Nevertheless, unlicensed sellers, particularly at gun shows and online platforms, have exploited these loopholes, facilitating illegal firearm transactions that have led to tragic consequences. For example, the Columbine High School shooters acquired weapons from an unlicensed seller to circumvent background checks, while a domestic abuser in Wisconsin fatally shot several people after buying a weapon online without a background check.
- The Columbine High School shooting in 1999
- A tragic incident in Wisconsin in 2012
- A multiple-location shooting in Texas in 2019
Gun sales without background checks have led to:
Moreover, unlicensed dealers have been identified as a major source of trafficked firearms, contributing significantly to the illegal dissemination of guns within communities. The implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and subsequent final rule by the Department of Justice aim to curb these illicit practices by ensuring that all gun sales meet stringent background check requirements.
Key Provisions of the Final Rule
- The final rule specifies types of commercial activities that trigger the need for a license and background checks
- It eliminates loopholes for gun shows and online sales
- Prevents evasion of licensing requirements by claiming minimal firearm sales
- Ensures that firearms classified as personal collections are not exempt from background checks
- Closes the “firesale loophole” to prevent the unauthorized transfer of business inventory without checks
By reinforcing these provisions, the final rule underlines the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to combat illegal gun trafficking and uphold public safety. The enforcement of these regulations will enhance the effectiveness of background checks and prevent unauthorized firearm sales across various platforms.
Enhancing Efforts to Stop Illegal Firearm Flow
Additionally, the Administration has spearheaded initiatives in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies to curtail illegal gun sources. Strategies targeting gun trafficking corridors in major cities, cracking down on rogue gun dealers, and regulating ghost gun manufacturers have all contributed to the Administration’s comprehensive approach to eradicating illicit firearm circulation.
The Senate-confirmed ATF Director and Crime Gun Intelligence Centers established under the Administration have played pivotal roles in investigating gun trafficking channels and enhancing law enforcement capabilities. President Biden’s call on Congress to enact universal background checks and provide increased funding for the ATF underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen gun control measures and safeguard communities from gun violence.
In conclusion, the Biden-Harris Administration’s steadfast commitment to implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and enforcing stringent background check requirements reflects a pivotal step towards reducing gun crime and protecting public safety.
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