[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 14, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S6262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CAMPBELL.:
  S. 1062. A bill to amend section 924 of title 18, United States Code, 
to increase the maximum term of imprisonment for offenses involving 
stolen firearms; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, this week, May 11 through 17, is 
``National Police Week 2003.''
  This is the week when thousands of law enforcement officers from all 
over the United States gather here in our Nation's Capital. 
Representing a full spectrum of our Nation's law enforcement personnel 
including local, State, and Federal officers, they gather here to honor 
their fallen comrades, as well as to celebrate all who serve this 
country and its citizens. Some of this year's highlights include the 
May 11 ``Law Ride,'' the May 13 ``Candlelight Vigil at the National Law 
Enforcement Officers Memorial'' and the May 15 ``National Peace 
Officers' Memorial Day Service'' which will be held on the Capitol 
grounds. These events are being held to specifically pay tribute to the 
more than 145 peace officers who were killed in the line of duty across 
the U.S. during 2002.
  In honor of ``National Police Week,'' today I am introducing two 
bills that will help improve our Nation's justice system and protect 
the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for us all 
on a daily basis.
  The first bill I am introducing is the ``Stolen Gun Penalty 
Enhancement Act of 2003'' which would increase the maximum prison 
sentences for violating existing stolen gun laws.
  A growing number of crimes in our country are being committed with 
stolen guns. The extent of this problem is reflected in a number of 
recent studies and news reports which indicate that almost half a 
million guns are stolen each year.
  This problem is increasing, and is therefore especially alarming 
among young people. A Justice Department study of juvenile inmates in 
four States showed that over 50 percent of the inmates in those prison 
systems had stolen a gun. In the same study, gang members and drug 
sellers were also more likely to have stolen a gun.
  Specifically, this bill would increase the maximum penalty for 
violating four provisions of the firearms laws. Under title 18 of the 
U.S. Code, it is illegal to knowingly transport or ship a stolen 
firearm or stolen ammunition. It is also illegal to knowingly receive, 
possess, conceal, store, sell, or otherwise dispose of a stolen firearm 
or stolen ammunition. The penalty for violating either of these 
provisions is a fine, a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, or 
both.
  My bill increases the maximum prison sentence to 15 years.
  I am a strong supporter of the rights of law-abiding gun owners. 
However, I firmly believe we need tougher penalties for the illegal use 
of firearms.
  The ``Stolen Gun Penalty Enhancement Act of 2003'' will send a strong 
signal to criminals who are even thinking about stealing a firearm. I 
urge my colleagues to join in support of this legislation.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the Stolen Gun Penalty 
Enhancement Act of 2003 be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 1062

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Stolen Gun Penalty 
     Enhancement Act of 2003''.

     SEC. 2. STOLEN FIREARMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 924 of title 18, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(i), (j),''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Whoever knowingly violates subsection (i) or (j) of 
     section 922 shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not 
     more than 15 years, or both.'';
       (2) in subsection (i)(1), by striking ``10 years'' and 
     inserting ``15 years''; and
       (3) in subsection (l), by striking ``10 years'' and 
     inserting ``15 years''.
       (b) Sentencing Commission.--The United States Sentencing 
     Commission shall amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to 
     reflect the amendments made under subsection (a).
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