Chairman Thompson Applauds President Obama's Action on Gun Violence Prevention

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, today released the following statement on President Obama's executive actions to help prevent gun violence by expanding criminal background checks:

"30-plus people are killed every day by someone using a gun, and the actions taken today by President Obama will help save some of those lives. I applaud this move and thank him for his relentless work on the issue of gun violence.

"Make no mistake; the President's executive actions will make our country safer by helping keep guns out of dangerous hands. And, they will only impact those who we all agree shouldn't have guns: criminals, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill.

"Because of the President's actions, more people will have to get background checks, and that's a good thing -- but it doesn't let Congress off the hook. Many firearms can still be bought and sold at gun shows, over the internet or through classified ads with no questions asked. This allows dangerous people, who otherwise wouldn't be able to pass a background check, to get guns.

"We need to pass the bipartisan King-Thompson legislation that closes these remaining loopholes so criminals, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill don't have easy access to guns.

"The President has done his part, now Congress needs to do ours. Let's finish the job."

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