Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced a new rule to expand background checks for people who are purchasing firearms. Following the announcement, Nick Wilson, senior director for Gun Violence Prevention at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement:
We applaud today’s announcement by the Biden-Harris administration of a new rule to address the “gun show loophole” which allows gun sellers to sell firearms without conducting a background check or keeping appropriate records. The lack of universal background checks undermines the effectiveness of nearly every other gun safety law, making it easier for guns to get into the hands of people with histories of violence and abuse. Closing this loophole will undoubtedly save lives and make us all safer. This final rule is the result of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first major federal gun safety bill passed in nearly 30 years.
It’s time for Congress to finish the job by passing legislation that fully closes the private sale loophole by requiring all gun purchasers to obtain a permit to purchase a firearm after completing a firearm safety training course and background check. Congress should also ensure the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has the necessary resources to enforce this rule and hold individuals supplying the illegal gun market accountable. In February, Congress cut nearly $50 million from ATF’s budget, undermining public safety in communities across the country. For fiscal year 2025, Congress should accept President Joe Biden’s funding request in order to prevent gun violence and hold those responsible for gun violence accountable.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Julia Cusick at [email protected].