[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 174 (Tuesday, November 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S16062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BAN ON UNDETECTABLE FIREARMS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 3348 which is at the 
desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 3348) to reauthorize the ban on undetectable 
     firearms.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is gratifying that Congress is finally 
acting to renew one of the Nation's essential protections against 
terrorism.
  The Undetectable Firearms Act--also known as the ``plastic gun'' 
law--makes it illegal to manufacture, import, possess, or transfer a 
firearm that is not detectable by walk-through metal detectors or 
airport x-ray machines. Only firearms necessary for certain military 
and intelligence uses are exempt.
  This law was first enacted in 1988, long before the attacks on 9/11, 
and it is more important than ever now. It has been extended once since 
it was first enacted, but it is scheduled to expire on December 10th. 
Its expiration would result in Americans in all parts of the Nation 
becoming needlessly vulnerable to gun violence in airlines, airports, 
schools, office buildings, and many other places, and even to terrorist 
attacks.
  The technology of gun manufacturers has significantly improved since 
the 1980's--and the determination of terrorists to attack Americans has 
soared. We know that terrorists are exploiting the weaknesses and 
loopholes in our gun laws. In 2000, a member of the Middle East 
terrorist group Hezbollah was convicted in Detroit on gun charges and 
conspiracy to ship guns and ammunition to Lebanon. He had purchased 
many of those weapons at gun shows in Michigan. In the war in 
Afghanistan, American soldiers discovered a terrorist training manual 
entitled ``How Can I Train Myself for Jihad'' in a house in that 
country. One part of the manual stated: ``In other countries, e.g. some 
states of USA . . . it is perfectly legal for members of the public to 
own certain types of firearms. If you live in such a country, obtain an 
assault rifle legally . . . learn how to use it properly and go and 
practice in the areas allowed for such training.''
  Last month, I introduced a bill, S. 1774, to renew the Undetectable 
Firearms Act and repeal the sunset provision. The bill now before us, 
H.R. 3348, extends the sunset provision for another 10 years. The 
danger to security from undetectable firearms won't sunset, and the law 
that bans them shouldn't sunset either. Nevertheless, I am encouraged 
that Congress is taking action, and I look forward to the renewal of 
this gun ban being signed into law.
  This measure is only one of several steps that Congress should take 
to protect our citizens from gun violence. We also need to strengthen 
criminal background checks for gun purchases under the Brady Law, renew 
the assault weapons ban, and close the ``gun show loophole'' once and 
for all. Each of these gun-safety measures is needed to protect our 
people in communities across the country. I urge my colleagues to 
support the pending bill, and to act on these other vital measures as 
well.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill 
be read the third time, passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any 
statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 3348) was read the third time and passed.

                          ____________________