In defense of the 2nd Amendment, I voted against two bills that begin the process of undermining American’s constitutional Second Amendment rights: H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446. At the same time, I recognize the importance of decreasing gun violence—which is why I sponsored H.R. 1604, the STOP Straw Purchases Act and cosponsored other targeted policies that offer effective solutions rather than irrational measures that won't lower crime.
While H.R. 8, the “Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021,” was purported to be bipartisan, in reality, this bill is extremely partisan and imposes excessive barriers on the right to bear arms. For instance, H.R. 8 does not account for the fact that every commercial gun sale in the United States already requires a background check, and instead offers inefficient solutions that will not prevent criminal access to guns, but would make it tougher for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families. Similarly, H.R. 1446 would eliminate the current three-day safety valve for firearm purchases that exists for when a reasonably timely determination under the NICS background check system is not made, and in doing so, could effectively give the government near unlimited control over firearm transfers. Read more about the reasoning behind my votes here.
My colleagues and I have crafted more targeted policies to resolve gun violence, improve school safety, and support mental health in our country. For example, the 21st Century NICS Act, H.R. 1518, allows the FBI to access the N-Dex system to conduct background checks for the potential sale of a firearm under NICS; which aggregates various local, state, and federal criminal records. Had this bill been enacted, it could have prevented the Charleston shooting. Additionally, the Prosecuting Gun Crimes Saves Lives Act, H.R. 1642, authorizes the Department of Justice to take action in addressing the illegal purchase and possession of firearms, by establishing task forces and grants to increase investigations and prosecutions.
I also introduced the STOP Straw Purchases Act, H.R. 1604, which would strengthen federal law to make it easier to prosecute criminal straw purchasers and gun traffickers, as well as increase the maximum punishment for the purchaser and the receiver. Our own Omaha Police Officer, Kerrie Orozco, was killed line of duty with a gun obtained through a straw purchase. Unfortunately, the purchaser walked away with a slap on the wrist and did not spend a day in jail. By closing loopholes and increasing maximum punishments for violators, this legislation will help to deter criminals from illegally obtaining firearms while bringing justice and safety to our affected communities. Read more about the STOP Straw Purchases Act here.
I believe we can decrease gun violence without infringing upon 2nd Amendment Rights, and I assure you I will continue working toward such change.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call my office at (402) 938-0300 or visit my Congressional website at https://bacon.house.gov.
