Reply #39: Here's the plan... [View All]

[Junkdrawer]

1. Strengthen law enforcement tools to crack down on corrupt gun dealers and curb illegal gun trafficking.

The NRA often argues that we don't need new laws, we just need to enforce the ones we have. The problem is, we aren't enforcing the ones we have and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) does not have the tools needed to do so. Congress needs to repeal irrational legal constraints that have tied ATF's hands in enforcing the law against dealers who feed the illegal market. And state legislatures and local governments need to give state and local law enforcement new tools to combat gun trafficking.

2. Extend Brady Background checks to all gun sales.

Since the enactment of the Brady Law over 10 years ago, more than 1.3 million felons and other prohibited purchasers have been blocked from buying guns from licensed gun dealers. As important as the Brady Law is, it only applies to sales by licensed gun dealers, and four out of every ten guns are sold by unlicensed dealers with no background check at all. State legislatures must extend Brady background checks to all gun sales, wherever they occur. Congress must pass a federal law. Our national policy should be no background check, no sale, no excuses.

3. Stop large-volume gun sales that supply traffickers.

It is possible in most states for "straw purchasers" and traffickers to buy unlimited numbers of guns to sell to the illegal market. This must stop. State legislatures need to limit the number of guns a person can buy. Congress must pass national limits. A person who buys a dozen guns at a time is not buying them for hunting, but for resale to criminals on the streets.


http://www.bradycampaign.org/issues/illegalguns/