[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DISARMING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ABUSERS

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, last week the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun 
Violence United, with the Million Mom March, released a report entitled 
``Disarming Domestic Violence Abusers.'' This report provides a guide 
for closing loopholes in State gun laws that allow domestic violence 
abusers to purchase or possess firearms and offers Congress some 
insight into how to help our States effectively enforce gun safety 
laws.
  Under current Federal law, domestic violence abusers subject to 
restraining orders or convicted of domestic violence are prohibited 
from owning guns. Despite the law, some domestic violence offenders 
continue to gain access to firearms.
  The Brady report proposes a number of ways to keep guns out of the 
hands of domestic violence offenders. Among the suggestions are 
ensuring that restraining orders clearly state that the possession of a 
firearm is prohibited and that restraining orders be entered into state 
and national databases used to conduct background checks on gun sales. 
Further, the report recommends that law enforcement remove firearms 
from the scene of domestic violence incidents. Finally, stopping 
domestic abusers from buying additional guns requires background checks 
on the sale of all firearm transfers, including those that take place 
at gun shows.
  The deadly combination of domestic violence and guns put many women 
and families at great risk. While Federal laws provide a general 
framework to prevent abusers from purchasing or possessing firearms, 
the Federal laws will not be effective in protecting women from armed 
abusers until every State enacts complementary laws. I urge my 
colleagues to read the Brady Campaign's report and to support Federal 
efforts that assist States with enforcing our Nation's gun safety laws.

                          ____________________