Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, every day 30 people are killed by someone using a gun. That number jumps to 100 if you factor in accidents and suicides involving guns. The steady stream of gun violence devastates families, communities, and schools.

Gun violence costs our country $280 billion every year. This status quo is not okay.

Our constituents know it, and they support H.R. 8 overwhelmingly.

The Special Order last night on H.R. 8 was another low point for decorum in the House. To be generous, it was an embarrassing display and a complete misrepresentation of the facts.

Viewers were told that the bill would create a Federal gun registry. Wrong. Read page 5, line 18. H.R. 8 prohibits any registry.

They were told you can't give a gun to a family member. Wrong. Read page 3, line 7. You can.

They were told that you can't transfer a gun if someone was suicidal or needed it for protection to address a self-defense situation. Wrong. Read page 3, line 21. You can.

They were told that you can't lend a gun to a friend to go hunting. Wrong. Read page 4, line 16. You can.

What the bill does do is close the private gun sale loophole, which has made it easy for felons and other prohibited purchasers to buy a gun online, at gun shows, or in person-to-person sales.

We know universal background checks work. Every day they stop some 160 felons and some 50 domestic abusers from buying a gun. Every day.

But without universal background checks, these people can take their business elsewhere, to someone without a Federal firearms license and buy the same gun.

I have personally filled out the 4473 form required to buy a gun from a licensed dealer. I have done it many times. It is something that every responsible gun owner should be able to live with. Heck, they should welcome it because it helps stop dangerous individuals from getting a gun.

In 90 percent of the cases, background checks are completed within minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that these letters that I have from dozens of gun violence prevention groups, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and others be included in the Record. March 5, 2021. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: We write to you in support of H.R. 8/S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and H.R. 1446/S. 591 the Enhanced Background Checks Act. As gun owners, we understand that responsible gun ownership starts with background check. Loopholes in federal law have perpetuated the gun violence crisis in our country, including those in our background checks system. Congress must enact meaningful legislation to reduce gun violence. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act would close one such loophole by ensuring that a background check happens on every firearms sale.

Since 1993, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has conducted firearm background checks on gun purchasers. Federally licensed dealers must run a check through NICS to determine whether a potential buyer is prohibited from purchasing firearms. If information in NICS shows that a person is indeed prohibited, the dealer must deny the sale.

However, no background check is required for sales at gun shows, through online marketplaces, or between private individuals. Individuals who would otherwise be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a gun can easily buy guns through such unregulated sales. And the frequency of these unregulated sales is growing: recent studies indicate that approximately 22 percent of firearms are purchased without a background check, up to 80% of firearms used in crimes are obtained without a background check.

H.R. 8/S.B. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act/ Background Check Expansion Act would require a background check on every sale, ensuring that people prohibited from purchasing firearms cannot exploit loopholes and purchase guns through an unregulated sale at a gun show, online, or from an unlicensed private seller. In addition, individuals would no longer be able to cross state lines solely to purchase a firearm in a state with less stringent background checks. Closing these background check loopholes is critical to reducing gun violence throughout the United States.

Additionally, H.R. 1446/S. 591 the Enhanced Background Checks Act/Background Check Completion Act would provide the FBI more time to complete background checks and ensure that people prohibited from possessing firearms are not able to obtain them by default because of an incomplete background check. This deadly loophole in existing law was exploited by a white supremacist who killed nine people at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

As responsible gun owners, we urge you to consider this legislation which would help keep our communities safe. Our support for universal background checks stems from our desire to protect the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens while maintaining checks and balances to keep communities safe.

We urge you to pass H.R. 8/S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act/Background Check Expansion Act and H.R. 1446/S. 591 the Enhanced Background Checks Act/Background Check Completion Act, as soon as possible. Sincerely, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety. ____ Gun Owners for Responsible Ownership, Lake Grove, OR, March 5, 2021. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: We are gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts, and veterans who seek reasonable and responsible solutions to preventing gun violence. We believe our Second Amendment rights come with responsibilities. We also believe in common-sense efforts to reduce gun violence and promote gun safety across the country, including universal background checks and safe and secure storage of firearms.

H.R. 8 / S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act / Background Check Expansion Act would require a background check on every sale, ensuring that people prohibited from purchasing firearms cannot exploit loopholes and purchase guns through an unregulated sale at a gun show, on line, or from an unlicensed seller. In addition, individuals would no longer be able to cross state lines solely to purchase a firearm in a state with less stringent background checks. Closing these background check loopholes is critical to reducing gun violence throughout the United States.

Additionally, H.R. 1446 / S. 591 the Enhanced Background Checks Act / Background Check Completion Act would provide the FBI more time to complete background checks and ensure that people prohibited from possessing firearms are not able to obtain them by default because of an incomplete background check. This deadly loophole in existing law was exploited by a white supremacist who killed nine people at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Oregon adopted universal background checks in 2015 which we strongly supported. However, our citizens are still vulnerable to the importation of firearms from states with less stringent laws. We need federal legislation that will apply to all.

We urge you to pass H.R. 8 / S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act / Background Check Expansion Act and H.R.1446 / S. 591 the Enhanced Background Checks Act / Background Check Completion Act, as soon as possible. Sincerely, Paul Kemp, President. ____ States United To Prevent Gun Violence, March 5, 2021. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: States United to Prevent Gun Violence is a group of 32 state affiliates across the United States that work on Gun Violence Prevention. We come from all areas of this country. Urban, rural, and, suburban. We believe that gun violence is a public health problem, and, that the legislation proposed will prevent many communities from suffering the trauma of gun violence.

Since 1993, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has conducted firearm background checks on gun purchasers. Federally licensed dealers must run a check through NICS to determine whether a potential buyer is prohibited from purchasing firearms. If information in NICS shows that a person is indeed prohibited, the dealer must deny the sale.

However, there is a loophole in federal law and no background check is required for sales at gun shows, through online marketplaces, or between private individuals. Individuals who would otherwise be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a gun can easily buy guns through such unregulated sales. And the frequency of these unregulated sales is concerning: recent studies indicate that approximately 22 percent of firearms are purchased without a background check, and up to 80% of firearms used in crimes are obtained without a background check.

H.R. 8 / S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act / Background Check Expansion Act would require a background check on every sale, ensuring that people prohibited from purchasing firearms cannot exploit loopholes and purchase guns through an unregulated sale at a gun show, online, or from an unlicensed seller. In addition, individuals would no longer be able to cross state lines solely to purchase a firearm in a state with less stringent background checks. Closing these background check loopholes is critical to reducing gun violence throughout the United States.

Additionally, H.R. 1446 / S. S. 591 the Enhanced Background Checks Act / Background Check Completion Act would provide the FBI more time to complete background checks and ensure that people prohibited from possessing firearms are not able to obtain them by default because of an incomplete background check. This deadly loophole in existing law was exploited by a white supremacist who killed nine people at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

We know that in many of our states we have not been able to pass any form of gun Violence Prevention Bills. If passed these Bills would bring immediate relief to all Americans from most forms of gun Violence.

We urge you to pass H.R. 8 / S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act / Background Check Expansion Act and H.R. 1446 / S. 591 the Enhanced Background Checks Act / Background Check Completion Act, as soon as possible. Sincerely, Clai Lasher-Sommers, Executive Director, States United to Prevent Gun Violence. ____ Major Cities Chiefs Association, March 5, 2021. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Republican Leader McCarthy: I'm writing on behalf of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), a professional organization of police executives representing the largest cities in the United States and Canada. The MCCA strongly supports H.R. 8/S.B. 529, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021/Background Check Expansion Act. The Association has been a strong advocate for sensible gun policy for many years. Instituting universal background checks is a core tenant of the MCCA's Firearms Violence Policy, which our membership approved in 2018.

Since 1993, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has conducted firearm background checks on gun purchasers. Federally licensed dealers must run a check through NICS to determine whether a potential buyer is prohibited from purchasing firearms. If information in NICS shows that a person is indeed prohibited, the dealer must deny the sale. However, there is a loophole in federal law, and no background check is required for sales at gun shows, through online marketplaces, or between private individuals. Individuals who would otherwise be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a gun can easily buy guns through such unregulated sales.

H.R. 8/S.B. 529 would require a background check on every sale, ensuring that people prohibited from purchasing firearms cannot exploit loopholes and purchase guns through an unregulated sale at a gun show, online, or from an unlicensed seller. In addition, individuals would no longer be able to cross state lines solely to purchase a firearm in a state with less stringent background checks. Closing these background check loopholes is critical to reducing gun violence throughout the United States.

Many MCCA members are experiencing a significant uptick in gun violence in their cities. The MCCA's most recent Violent Crime Survey, which showed a nationwide rise in both homicides and aggravated assaults in 2020, supports these reports. Ensuring background checks for all gun sales and transfers will save lives by helping keep firearms out of the hands of those who are not permitted to have them under the law. It will also be a critical step in combatting the epidemic of gun violence currently plaguing our country.

Gun violence is more than just a public safety issue; it's an officer safety issue as well. MCCA members, and law enforcement agencies all across the country, have had far too many officers killed or wounded in the line of duty by individuals who should have been prohibited from purchasing a firearm. We must enact policies at the national level to help ensure these brave men and women return home safely after their shifts.

The MCCA urges Congress to pass H.R. 8/S.B. 529, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 /Background Check Expansion Act, as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me if the MCCA can be of any assistance. Sincerely, Chief Art Acevedo, Chief, Houston Police Department, President, Major Cities Chiefs Association. ____ March 3, 2021. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: We write to you in support of H.R. 8/S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. As physicians, we believe that gun violence and its associated traumas are a public health crisis, and that Congress must enact meaningful legislation to help reduce gun violence in our communities. In 2019, 39,707 people died from gun violence. Tragically, the pandemic and resulting economic fallout may further exacerbate this public health crisis. Experts have suggested that the pandemic may drive increases in suicides, domestic violence, and community violence in the coming years. Several loopholes in federal law--and the background check system in particular--are not sufficient to prevent individuals who are ineligible to own a firearm from purchasing one. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act would enact universal background checks, closing these dangerous loopholes by ensuring that a background check happens on every firearms sale.

The American Medical Women's Association has been the voice and vision of women in medicine since 1915. Time and time again, AMWA, as an organization, stands to decrease the burden of gun related fatalities and violence. AMWA acknowledges gun violence for what it really is: a deadly epidemic resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality for our patients.

Since 1993, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has conducted firearm background checks on gun purchasers. Federally licensed dealers must run a check through NICS to determine whether a potential buyer is prohibited from purchasing firearms. If information in NICS shows that a person is indeed prohibited, the dealer must deny the sale.

However, no background check is required for sales at gun shows, through online marketplaces, or between private individuals. Individuals who would otherwise be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a gun can easily buy guns through such unregulated sales. And the frequency of these unregulated sales is concerning: recent studies indicate that approximately 22 percent of firearms are purchased without a background check, up to 80% of firearms used in crimes are obtained without a background check.

H.R. 8/S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act/ Background Check Expansion Act would require a background check on every sale, ensuring that people prohibited from purchasing firearms cannot exploit loopholes and purchase guns through an unregulated sale at a gun show, online, or from an unlicensed seller. In addition, individuals would no longer be able to cross state lines solely to purchase a firearm in a state with less stringent background checks.

Too often, our patients and our communities bear witness to the terrible tragedies that occur when people use guns to harm themselves or others. Gun violence is a complex public health issue that will require a comprehensive solution; enacting universal background checks is an important first step. Our support for universal background checks comes from our desire to save lives and protect our patients.

We urge you to pass H.R. 8/S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act/Background Check Expansion Act, as soon as possible. Sincerely, Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, MD, FACP, FAMWA, Chair, Advocacy Committee AMWA. ____

Members of the 117th Congress: We, the undersigned organizations, strongly urge you to cosponsor and quickly pass H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Check Act, and S. 529, the Background Check Expansion Act, to expand Brady Background Checks to cover all firearm transactions, as well as H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021, to close a dangerous gap in law that allows thousands of prohibited individuals to purchase firearms every year.

Since the Brady Law was enacted in 1994, more than 3.5 million prohibited firearm transactions have been prevented. In 2015 alone, an average of 619 individuals per day were deemed by law to be too dangerous to possess a firearm and were blocked by the system.

Background checks are conclusively effective and have saved countless lives. However, because only federally licensed firearms dealers are required to conduct these checks, an estimated one in five gun sales or transfers--those conducted by private sellers, including sales online and at gun shows-- are completed without a background check. Without background checks it is almost impossible to keep guns out of the hands of prohibited individuals or to hold illegal gun dealers accountable.

H.R. 8 and S. 529 will make us all safer by requiring a background check for virtually every firearm sale and transfer. The bills include narrow, reasonable exceptions like transfers among close family members and short-term gun loans among hunters and sport shooters. The legislation does nothing to impede lawful gun purchases, while closing off a wide and well-known avenue for illegal transactions by prohibited, and often dangerous, buyers. It is past time to expand lifesaving background checks to every gun sale, and the public agrees: more than 90 percent of Americans, including large majorities of gun owners, support universal background checks.

Likewise, it has been over five years since a prohibited person massacred nine parishioners at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, with a gun purchased at a licensed firearms dealer and it is far past time for Congress to take action to fix this gap in law.

Under current law, a licensed dealer may transfer a gun to a buyer after three business days even if the background check has yet to determine whether that buyer is legally eligible to purchase a gun, now known commonly as the ``Charleston Loophole.'' According to FBI data, thousands of guns are sold each year through this loophole to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms--over 43,000 since 2008. In the last decade an average of 10 prohibited individuals have been able to purchase guns at licensed firearms dealers through the Charleston Loophole every single day.

H.R. 1446 will prevent the sale of firearms to prohibited individuals by providing the FBI with additional time to complete background checks--allowing the system to better focus its resources and efforts, and provide accurate dispositions to federally licensed firearms dealers. This legislation will have a tremendous impact on public safety while ensuring that lawful gun owners are not subject to indefinite bureaucratic delay.

We urge you to act quickly to pass these life-saving pieces of legislation. Sincerely,

American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Medical Student Association (AMSA), American Public Health Association (APHA), Amnesty International, Bishops United Against Gun Violence, Brady, Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Docs Demand Action, Doctors for America (DFA), End Citizens United (ECU), Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), MomsRising.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW), National Education Association (NEA), National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), National Organization of Black Law, Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National PTA, Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), Public Citizen, Team Enough, The King Center, This Is Our Lane, Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), U.S. Conference of Mayors, VoteVets. ____ National Police Foundation, March 5, 2021. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader. U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: The National Police Foundation is an independent and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing American policing through science and innovation. For many years, the Foundation has advocated strongly for and continues to support common sense responses to America's gun violence problem. Addressing and strengthening our system of background checks is long overdue and it is my belief that H.R. 8/S.B. 529 can address these issues and is worthy of full consideration.

Since 1993, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has conducted firearm background checks on gun purchasers. Federally licensed dealers must run a check through NICS to determine whether a potential buyer is prohibited from purchasing firearms. If information in NICS shows that a person is indeed prohibited, the dealer must deny the sale.

However, there is a loophole in federal law and no background check is required for sales at gun shows, through online marketplaces, or between private individuals. Individuals who would otherwise be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a gun can easily buy guns through such unregulated sales. And the frequency of these unregulated sales is concerning: recent studies indicate that approximately 22 percent of firearms are purchased without a background check, and up to 80 of firearms used in crimes are obtained without a background check.

H.R. 8/S.B. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act/ Background Check Expansion Act would require a background check on every sale, ensuring that people prohibited from purchasing firearms cannot exploit loopholes and purchase guns through an unregulated sale at a gun show, online, or from an unlicensed seller. In addition, individuals would no longer be able to cross state lines solely to purchase a firearm in a state with less stringent background checks. Closing these background check loopholes is critical to reducing gun violence throughout the United States.

The women and men serving on America's front lines deserve the support that these bills will provide. Beyond data and research, common sense tells us that the solutions offered in H.R. 8/S.B. 529 are needed and will make a difference. We urge you to pass H.R. 8/S.B. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act /Background Check Expansion Act, as soon as possible. Sincerely, James H. Burch, II, President. ____ March 4, 2021. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: March for Our Lives Colorado (MFOL CO) has been pushing for common-sense gun laws for our state since 2019. MFOL CO's mission is to prevent gun violence in Colorado by engaging youth in the legislative process to further safety measures to protect ourselves and our fellow classmates. As such, we strongly endorse H.R. 8 for its potential to prevent gun-related violence. In 2013, Colorado passed House Bill 13-1229, resulting in the passage of universal background checks for firearm sales through unlicensed sellers in response to devastating events of gun violence in both Colorado and across the nation. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, 2019 alone resulted in the rejection of 2.11% of sales (3,477 firearm sales) through unlicensed sellers due to indicators on background checks that suggest the guns would potentially be misused, showing that UBC laws have the empirical ability to keep guns from individuals who might misuse them.

Since 1993, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has conducted firearm background checks on gun purchasers. Federally licensed dealers must run a check through NICS to determine whether a potential buyer is prohibited from purchasing firearms. If information in NICS shows that a person is indeed prohibited, the dealer must deny the sale.

However, there is a loophole in federal law and no background check is required for sales at gun shows, through online marketplaces, or between private individuals. Individuals who would otherwise be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a gun can easily buy guns through such unregulated sales. And the frequency of these unregulated sales is concerning: recent studies indicate that approximately 22 percent of firearms are purchased without a background check, and up to 80% of firearms used in crimes are obtained without a background check.

H.R. 8/S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act/ Background Check Expansion Act would require a background check on every sale, ensuring that people prohibited from purchasing firearms cannot exploit loopholes and purchase guns through an unregulated sale at a gun show, online, or from an unlicensed seller. In addition, individuals would no longer be able to cross state lines solely to purchase a firearm in a state with less stringent background checks. Closing these background check loopholes is critical to reducing gun violence throughout the United States.

Additionally, H.R. 1446/S. 529 the Enhanced Background Checks Act/ Background Check Completion Act would provide the FBI more time to complete background checks and ensure that people prohibited from possessing firearms are not able to obtain them by default because of an incomplete background check. This deadly loophole in existing law was exploited by a white supremacist who killed nine people at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

H.R. 8 will save lives through increased background checks for unlicensed sales in the United States. Our organization's first-hand experience with gun violence in our youths brings a grave brevity to our support of H.R. 8. March For Our Lives was forged to call for action against the violence that has plagued our nation. We call on you now to pass these bills to protect millions of student lives across the United States.

We urge you to pass H.R. 8/S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act/Background Check Expansion Act and H.R. 1446/S. 529 the Enhanced Background Checks Act/Background Check Completion Act, as soon as possible. Sincerely, March For Our Lives Colorado. ____ American Psychological Association Services, Inc., March 8, 2021. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: On behalf of the American Psychological Association (APA), I write to express our support of H.R. 8/S. 529 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021. This important legislation would address our nation's gun violence public health crisis by closing pre- existing loopholes that allow for unlicensed gun sellers to avoid comprehensive background checks on firearms sales.

APA is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States with nearly 122,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. Our mission is to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. APA advocates for a public health approach to gun violence prevention, supporting evidence-based programs and policies that can reduce the occurrence and impact of firearm-related violence in the United States.

Research demonstrates almost 80% of all firearms acquired for criminal purposes are obtained through transfers from unlicensed sellers and 96% of persons incarcerated for gun offenses who were already prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time of the offense obtained their firearm from an unlicensed seller. Moreover, states that only require background checks on sales through federally licensed firearms dealers showed higher rates of adolescents who carry guns than states that require universal background checks on all prospective gun buyers.

Thank you for your work to prevent gun violence tragedies. Sincerely, Brian D. Smedley, Ph.D., Chief of Psychology in the Public Interest, American Psychological Association. ____ American College of Physicians, March 4, 2021. Hon. Michael Thompson, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Rep. Thompson: On behalf of the American College of Physicians (ACP), I am writing to offer our strong support for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 8), legislation introduced in the 117th Congress to expand and enhance the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). We applaud your continued efforts to reduce firearms- related violence through common sense legislation. As an organization representing physicians who have first-hand experience with the devastating impact on the health of their patients resulting from firearms-related injuries and deaths, we have a responsibility to be part of the solution in trying to mitigate firearms-related tragedies. We stand ready to work with you to advance this important legislation.

The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician membership society in the United States. ACP members include 163,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness.

We remain alarmed by the tragic toll of firearms violence in our neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and public spaces. Deaths and injuries from firearms are not just a result of mass shootings, they are a daily occurrence; in 2019, 39,707 Americans lost their lives to firearms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This issue represents an urgent public health crisis and now is the time to act, on a bipartisan basis, on measures to improve the safety of all Americans.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act would strengthen the accuracy and reporting of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) as well as expand Brady background checks to cover all firearm sales, including unlicensed firearms sellers currently not required to use background checks. Examples of gun sales not requiring background checks through NICS include those at gun shows, through the internet, and between private individuals or classified ads. With some exceptions, the legislation would expand background checks to cover all private and commercial firearm transfers and sales. In addition, because gun sellers would now be required to perform background checks for all sales and transfers, gun purchasers would no longer be able to cross state lines to buy firearms in a state with less rigorous background check laws.

In conclusion, for more than 20 years, we ACP has urged the adoption of policies to reduce deaths and injuries related to firearms violence. A brief summary of ACP's updated position paper on this issue can be found here. We remain committed to this endeavor and we call on Congress to pass H.R. 8 as a necessary first step in addressing the public health crisis created by firearms violence. Sincerely, Jacqueline W. Fincher, MD, MACP, President.

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. On this bill we have coauthors who are Democrats and Republicans, cops, hunters, gun owners, district attorneys, a former FBI agent, and veterans, who have served in combat and put their lives on the line to protect our Second Amendment.

There is bipartisan support for universal background checks in Congress and near universal support for background checks from the American people.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8.

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, that is nonsense. What was just said on the floor is not accurate.

The only thing this bill does is require a background check. If someone has legally purchased a firearm and passed a background check, nobody is going to take that gun away from them. They legally purchased it. They passed the background check.

To come out with that kind of nonsense, that type of scare tactic, is not complementary to the decorum of this House, and it does not speak to this bill.

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