[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               THE FEDERAL FIREARM BUYBACK INITIATIVE ACT

  (Mr. WELDON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELDON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that will 
assist America's crusade to reduce crime and violence in our inner 
cities. The Federal Firearm Buyback Initiative Act will give matching 
grants to State or local governments that initiate gun buyback 
programs.
  During the past year, these programs have been praised by police and 
prosecutors. Right here in Washington, DC, a gun buyback program was so 
successful that heavyweight great Riddick Bowe went into his pocket to 
put up money to help buy back the guns.
  In Chicago, more than a thousand weapons have already been turned in. 
In New York City, Police Chief Raymond Kelly noted the success of the 
Big Apple's buyback plan and said ``I am a believer.''
  This bill is almost identical to one introduced in the Senate by 
Senator Dole, providing $30 million in matching grants over the next 2 
years. This money would be given in the form of vouchers, so that the 
local governments could purchase goods and merchandise to use as 
buyback incentives.
  I have made one addition to Senator Dole's proposal. My legislation 
will also authorize rewards for anyone who gives information leading to 
the arrest of anyone committing a crime with a firearm.
  Mr. Speaker, I say to my colleagues that I will attempt to have this 
commonsense bill incorporated into the anticrime legislation the House 
will take up this year. I will be seeking cosponsors from both sides of 
the aisle, and I ask for your support.

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