    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 28, 1997]
    [Page 224]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Third Anniversary of the Brady Act
    February 28, 1997

        Today marks the third anniversary of the implementation of the Brady
    act--one of the most effective public safety measures ever.
        The facts speak for themselves. Earlier this week, I announced that
    during its first 28 months, the Brady act prevented more than 186,000
    felons, fugitives, and stalkers from buying a handgun. Every month the
    Brady act blocks an average of 6,600 illegal over-the-counter gun sales,
    with indicted or convicted felons constituting more than 70 percent of
    the rejections.
        These statistics should end any remaining doubt that might exist.
    The Brady act is working.
        This important public safety measure is the result of the tireless
    efforts of two courageous Americans, Jim and Sarah Brady. The Bradys
    have waged a moral and political battle to save lives and to keep
    handguns out of the hands of criminals. Their dedication to ending gun
    violence and making our streets safer is an inspiration to law
    enforcement and all Americans. Last year, I was deeply honored to bestow
    upon Jim the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor our Nation
    can bestow on a citizen.
        I look forward to working with the Bradys to pass my anti-gang and
    youth violence legislation, which will require child safety locks for
    all handguns and apply the Brady act to anyone who has committed a
    violent juvenile offense.

    Note: Public Law 103-159, ``To provide for a waiting period before the
    purchase of a handgun, and for the establishment of a national instant
    criminal background check system to be contacted by firearms dealers
    before the transfer of any firearm,'' approved November 30, 1993, took
    effect on February 28, 1994.