[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          NEW FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE CATEGORY FOR GUNSMITHS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I call the attention of the House to a 
problem affecting gunsmiths as a result of the 1994 Crime Act.
  The 1994 law contained a provision requiring applicants for a new 
Federal firearms license, or renewal of an existing one, to prove that 
they are in compliance with any State or local zoning ordinances. Many 
States and localities have zoning laws that prevent individuals from 
obtaining dealers' licenses. For licensing purposes, the term 
``dealer'' includes any person who makes or repairs firearms, which 
includes gunsmiths. Therefore, many gunsmiths are now being denied 
their Federal firearms license.
  One of my constituents, who is a gunsmith, informed me about his 
difficulties in complying with the Crime Act. As a result, I have 
introduced legislation to create a new Federal firearms license 
category for gunsmiths. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, 
which administers the Federal license categories, supports creating 
this new category.
  My legislation will not allow gunsmiths to sell or transfer firearms, 
but it will permit them to continue to work in their profession. I urge 
my colleagues to support this bill.

                          ____________________