Today, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement regarding his vote on H.R. 8:

“There are many proposals to prevent criminal gun violence that historically appreciate wide bipartisan support, which is why I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 1339 the “Understanding the Mass Violence Prevention Act of 2019.”  This bill addresses the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement when undertaking coordination and response after a tragedy, by improving information sharing, increasing punishments for robbing a Federal Firearms Licensee, and authorizing more DOJ positions to prosecute gun violence.”  

“Unfortunately, H.R. 8, Speaker Pelosi’s “Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019,” would only make it tougher for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families.  I cannot vote for a bill that has no proven ability to prevent criminal’s access to guns, especially when it comes at the expense of the freedoms enjoyed by Americans well within their Second Amendment rights.

“Criminals do not follow our laws to begin with and this bill makes compliance increasingly burdensome for responsible firearm owners trying to follow existing gun laws. The bill’s provisions that dictate exemptions and temporary transfers are inadequate, and lack key exemptions and protections for certain familial relationships.  This inefficient solution—that I cannot support—will do very little to curb gun violence.”