[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 26, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 FIREARM CHILD SAFETY LOCK ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 1999

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, it is time for Congress to act 
on the issue of gun related violence, and pass legislation which will 
adequately address this issue.
  The school shootings in Jonesboro, Edinboro, Fayetteville, 
Springfield, Richmond, West Pacucha, Littleton and most recently, 
Conyers, should be a wake up call for this body to act.
  Gun related violence has plagued our nation and jeopardized the 
safety of our children.
  The American people are demanding action by this body, and the people 
want a safe environment in our nation's urban and rural areas for our 
children.
  Each day in America, thirteen children under the age of 19 die from 
gunfire. In 1996, 4,643 children were killed by firearms. Firearms 
cause 1 of every 4 deaths of teenagers from the ages of 15 to 19. In 
addition to this, firearms are the fourth leading cause of accidental 
death among children from the ages of 5 to 14.
  The rate of gun related crimes is increasing. From 1984 to 1994, the 
firearm homicide death rate for youths from the ages of 15 to 19 has 
increased 222%, while the non-firearm homicide death rate decreased 
12.8%.
  It is our responsibility, as parents and leaders to protect our 
nation's children. These statistics illustrate the need for stronger 
measures from Congress. Yet, despite the statistics and recent 
developments, which clearly prove that there is a problem with 
firearms, many Members of Congress refuse to push forward substantive 
gun legislation.
  To address this problem, I have re-introduced my bill, the Firearm 
Child Safety Lock Act of 1999. My bill, H.R. 1512, the Firearm Child 
Safety Lock Act of 1999, will prohibit any person from transferring or 
selling a firearm, in the United States, unless it is sold with a child 
safety lock.
  In addition, this legislation will prohibit the transfer or sale of 
firearms by federally licensed dealers and manufacturers, unless a 
child safety lock is part of the firearm.
  A Child Safety Lock, when properly attached to the trigger guard of a 
firearm, will prevent a firearm from unintentionally discharging. Once 
the safety lock is properly applied, it cannot be removed unless it is 
unlocked. Public support for child safety locks is strong. 75% of 
Americans have voiced support for mandatory trigger locks.
  This legislation will protect our children and increase the safety of 
firearms.
  However, child safety locks are not enough. We must determine why 
young people commit these horrible acts of violence. We must take the 
proper steps to educate and counsel our children, to prevent future 
acts of violence. We must be proactive and diligent in our efforts to 
help our children, and stop these violent acts.
  My bill, H.R. 1512, also has an education provision which provides 
for a portion of the firearms tax revenue to be used for education on 
the safe storage and use of firearms. The mental health of our children 
must also be adequately addressed.
  We must determine what the problems are. Find solutions to those 
problems, and then act.
  We can address this issue without violating the second amendment to 
the Constitution. The right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall 
not be infringed. The right to life without fear will be preserved by 
this legislation and other necessary legislation that should be passed 
by Congress.
  We must have the courage to stand firm and take steps to avoid the 
continued senseless bloodshed and loss of life of children around this 
country. This bill and our efforts can do just that, we can protect our 
children and protect their future. In doing so, we are protecting 
ourselves.

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