For the first in years, Congress is poise to take real action to address gun violence. On Wednesday and Thursday, two bills that would strengthen our country’s background check system will be brought to the House floor:
- Requiring background checks for almost all firearm transfers
- Closing key gaps that provide legal avenues for prohibited purchasers to avoid background checks
- Expanding the timeline in which sales are delayed because background checks have not been conclusively completed. This would change the timeline from 3 to 10 business days
For far too long, individuals who should not have guns have been able to acquire firearms by taking advantage of these loopholes. These bills are critical steps in making our communities safer and will demonstrate that we can take meaningful action to prevent gun violence.
Opponents would suggest that these bipartisan bills are unnecessary and unpopular, but this is completely false. Requiring universal background checks is something that strong majorities of Americans, including gun owners and NRA members, consistently support. A poll conducted by Quinnipiac University in 2017 found that 94% of Americans supported background checks for all gun sales.
While these pieces of legislation are widely supported, we still need your help to get them passed. By clicking on this link you can send your Representatives an email voicing your support. And after we get this accomplished in the House, we’ll turn to the Senate. PA will focus on Senator Toomey!
