[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E223-E224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SUPPORTING GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2019

  Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and H.R. 1112, the Enhanced 
Background Checks Act. Both pieces of legislation would close deadly 
loopholes in federal law to increase public safety. I am proud to co-
lead these important initiatives to reduce gun violence.
   H.R. 8, which would require background checks on all firearm 
purchases, is a common sense measure that will help keep our children 
and communities safe. This is particularly important with the rise of 
internet and gun show sales, where prohibited purchasers can easily 
skirt the law to obtain deadly firearms. This bill would also reduce 
firearms trafficking through secondary sales and enhance law 
enforcement's ability to trace firearms used in a crime.
   Similarly, H.R. 1112 would increase public safety by giving 
background check operators sufficient time to complete background 
checks.

[[Page E224]]

While roughly 90 percent of background checks on gun sales are 
completed immediately, a small amount requires additional time for 
operators to discern whether a purchaser is prohibited from buying a 
firearm. However, under current law, if a background check is not 
completed within three business days, the sale can proceed. This 
loophole allows thousands of prohibited purchasers each year--including 
the shooter in Charleston, South Carolina--from obtaining guns without 
the completion of a background check.
   H.R. 1112 would keep everyday citizens safe by keeping firearms out 
of the hands of prohibited purchasers. It would also protect law 
enforcement by reducing the need for ATF agents to retrieve guns from 
individuals who shouldn't have been allowed to purchase them.
   While there is no single measure that will completely eliminate gun 
violence, these bills take crucial steps towards reducing it. They also 
protect the rights of law abiding gun owners. I am proud to support 
these pieces of legislation and encourage my colleagues to do so.

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