Stop Handgun Violence Applauds House of Representatives for Passing H.R. 8, Background Check Bill for All Gun Sales
Boston, MA– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) and House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), voted to pass H.R. 8, a bill that would require background checks on all firearm sales.
The following is a statement of support from Stop Handgun Violence (SHV):
“We applaud the efforts of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Mike Thompson, and the entire Massachusetts House Delegation for co-sponsoring this bill” said John Rosenthal, founder of Stop Handgun Violence. “We are proud to join thousands of advocates who have worked around the country for this bill. Thirty-one states do not currently require background checks for all gun sales. We urge the Senate to take up this bill. This law would save countless lives by preventing dangerous individuals from accessing firearms without inconveniencing law-abiding gun owners. It would prevent those who are a proven risk to themselves and others, such as individuals convicted of violent felonies and domestic abusers, from purchasing firearms without detection. Background checks are supported by 97% of Americans, including the majority of gun owners, and I applaud the new Congress for prioritizing this life-saving and proven gun safety initiative.”
“We are very encouraged that a majority of the House has joined the vast majority of Americans who support this common-sense legislation that simply makes it harder for prohibited people to buy deadly weapons without a criminal background check and detection by law enforcement. We are extremely energized by this vote, a first in twenty years, and we hope that this is just the first step of many to strengthen our nation’s gun safety laws. We hope the Senate will also respond to the will of the overwhelming majority of Americans.”
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Stop Handgun Violence(SHV) is a Massachusetts gun violence prevention organization committed to the prevention of gun violence through education, public awareness, effective law enforcement and common sense gun laws. SHV has been the lead advocate in Massachusetts for enactment of the most effective gun violence prevention laws and first in the nation consumer protection regulations. The organization does not seek to restrict Constitutional rights, but advocates only for common sense legislation that will help save lives. For more information, go to www.stophandgunviolence.org