[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2033]]



        ELECTRONIC COMMERCE CRIME PREVENTION AND PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 1999

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, did you know that anyone with access to a 
computer and a modem could buy or sell firearms and explosives over the 
Internet with little or no federal regulation? And, did you know that, 
as a result of this loophole, children and career criminals are 
illegally purchasing firearms and explosives right now? Unfortunately, 
obtaining the instruments of violence over the Internet is as easy as 
``point, click, ship.''
  For far too long, gunfire in our homes, our communities, and in our 
schools has continued to steal young lives and destroy families. As 
scenes like Columbine High School and the North Valley Jewish Community 
Center killing spree continue to haunt America, we must step-up our 
efforts to protect children from gun violence.
  One important step in the process of protecting our children from gun 
violence is closing the dangerous loophole that allows guns to be 
purchased from unlicensed dealers over the Internet. To accomplish 
this, I am introducing the ``Electronic Commerce Crime Prevention and 
Protection Act.'' This much-needed legislation would ban all sales of 
firearms, ammunition and explosives over the Internet.
  I would like to thank Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Robert 
Brady, Congressman James Moran, Congressman John Larson, Congressman 
Martin Meehan, Congressman Richard Neal, Congressman Robert Menendez, 
Congressman Nancy Pelosi, and Congressman Joseph Hoeffel for joining me 
as original cosponsors of this important legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor my legislation to 
ensure that the Internet remains a wonderful mechanism for commerce, 
communication and learning, and not a means for obtaining the tools of 
violence.

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