Rep. Langevin and Sen. Markey Reintroduce Legislation to Hold Bad-Actor Gun
Dealers Accountable
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U.S. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)
today re-introduced the Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act, legislation that
would strengthen accountability measures for irresponsible gun dealers and
provide the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with
additional resources for enforcement.
While
the majority of gun dealers follow the law, a small number of delinquent gun
dealers perpetuate the epidemic of gun violence by selling guns to straw
purchasers, gun traffickers and other dangerous individuals; falsifying sales
records; and selling guns “off the books.”
In fact, as little as five percent of gun dealers supply about 90 percent of all guns used in crimes. This bicameral legislation would ensure that guns do not end up in the wrong hands by authorizing more frequent inspections of gun dealers, increasing penalties for serious offenses, and strengthening the Department of Justice’s authority and discretion in enforcing gun laws.
In fact, as little as five percent of gun dealers supply about 90 percent of all guns used in crimes. This bicameral legislation would ensure that guns do not end up in the wrong hands by authorizing more frequent inspections of gun dealers, increasing penalties for serious offenses, and strengthening the Department of Justice’s authority and discretion in enforcing gun laws.
“The
Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act will help put an end to illegal gun sales
and reduce gun violence,” said Congressman Langevin, a member of the Gun
Violence Prevention Task Force.
“The small number of gun dealers that sell guns without background checks or falsify records are endangering their communities by supplying the vast majority of crime guns. By providing law enforcement with the tools needed to crack down on these bad actors, we will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands and protect innocent lives. I look forward to working with Senator Markey to advance this common-sense gun safety bill.”
“The small number of gun dealers that sell guns without background checks or falsify records are endangering their communities by supplying the vast majority of crime guns. By providing law enforcement with the tools needed to crack down on these bad actors, we will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands and protect innocent lives. I look forward to working with Senator Markey to advance this common-sense gun safety bill.”
“Holding
accountable gun dealers who engage in illegal sales practices is a key
component of any strategy to reduce the senseless gun violence plaguing our
communities,” said Senator Markey.
“By increasing inspections and penalties, we can decrease the number of guns falling into the hands of those who should not have them. We need to strengthen accountability measures and equip federal authorities with the tools to enforce the law so that we may prevent further gun violence from taking innocent lives.”
“By increasing inspections and penalties, we can decrease the number of guns falling into the hands of those who should not have them. We need to strengthen accountability measures and equip federal authorities with the tools to enforce the law so that we may prevent further gun violence from taking innocent lives.”
Among
other provisions, the Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act would increase the
allowable number of ATF inspections of firearms dealers from one to three per
year; increase the number of ATF inspectors; strengthen criminal penalties for
dealers who knowingly violate the law by committing serious record-keeping
offenses that aid gun trafficking; permit ATF some discretion in issuing
firearm dealer licenses; and provide the ATF with more flexibility in
determining sanctions to ensure the punishment really does fit the crime.
Other
House members co-sponsoring the legislation include U.S. Representatives Jan
Schakowsky (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Ted Deutch (D-FL),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL),
Stephen Lynch (D-MA), and Hank Johnson (D-GA).
Other
Senators co-sponsoring the legislation include Chris Murphy (D-CT.), Kamala
Harris (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA.), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard
Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chris Van
Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL),
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker
(D-NJ), and Tina Smith (D-MN).
The
legislation is supported by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and
Everytown for Gun Safety.
“Brady
is proud to support Rep. Langevin and Sen. Markey in their efforts to pass the
Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady.
“It's terrifying to realize that only five percent of dealers supply 90 percent of crime guns. Most gun dealers follow the law, but unfortunately, bad actors put profits over people when they fail to perform background checks or sell to people who shouldn’t own guns. It's time to strengthen accountability measures for gun dealers who engage in illegal sales practices.”
“It's terrifying to realize that only five percent of dealers supply 90 percent of crime guns. Most gun dealers follow the law, but unfortunately, bad actors put profits over people when they fail to perform background checks or sell to people who shouldn’t own guns. It's time to strengthen accountability measures for gun dealers who engage in illegal sales practices.”
“This
bill is the definition of common sense: When the ATF has more tools to hold
irresponsible gun dealers accountable, fewer guns will fall into dangerous
hands and be used in crimes,” said John Feinblatt, President of
Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Representative Langevin and
Senator Markey for empowering law enforcement to fulfill their first duty:
Keeping Americans safe from harm.”