    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 21, 1998]
    [Page 1003]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1003]]

    Statement on Handgun Control Legislation
    June 21, 1998

        The Justice Department's report on background checks is further
    proof that the Brady law is working. Since its passage, law enforcement
    officials have stopped hundreds of thousands of felons, fugitives, and
    stalkers from buying handguns every year. By keeping guns out of the
    hands of criminals--and putting more police in our communities--we have
    helped cut the crime rate to its lowest point in a generation. We must
    now extend the Brady law's provisions to violent juveniles and bar them
    from owning guns for life. I call on Congress once again to pass this
    needed, commonsense legislation.

    Note: This statement was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on June 19 but was embargoed for release until 4:30 p.m. on
    June 21.