[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      PROHIBIT THE RECEIPT OF FEDERAL EXPLOSIVES WITHOUT A PERMIT

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                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 24, 1994

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to require 
a Federal permit to receive explosives and to require a background 
check before a purchase of explosives.
  This past Christmas, four bombs exploded in western New York and 
killed five people. The explosives to make these bombs were purchased 
using a fake ID and transported across State lines. Currently, anyone 
with a proper identification can walk in, fill out a Federal form and 
purchase explosives. No permits are required and no background checks 
are conducted if the purchaser states he will not cross State lines.
  In 1993, 46,000 transactions occurred utilizing this loophole in 
Federal regulations. This represents 455 million pounds of explosives. 
This is alarming to say the least.
  My legislation will close this dangerous Federal loophole by 
abolishing this walk in authorization and require everyone who 
purchases Federal explosives, except for purchases of small amounts of 
low explosives like gunpowder, to have a Federal permit. In addition, 
my bill will also utilize the instant background system established by 
the Brady bill for screening purchases by individuals not licensed by 
the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
  Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that we close this loophole before 
anyone else is killed or injured. I urge your support for this 
legislation and urge all my colleagues to join me in bringing 
responsible restrictions on the purchase of explosives.

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