Issue Position: Crime and Public Safety

Issue Position

Mike Quigley sits on the House Committee on the Judiciary and has used this position to fight for sensible gun laws, reform the nation's criminal justice system, and combat domestic violence.

Mike led the effort to submit an amicus brief with 54 other Members of Congress urging the United States Supreme Court to uphold the City of Chicago's longstanding handgun ban as a constitutional effort to protect its citizens from gun violence. When the Supreme Court overturned the ban, Mike condemned the decision, saying that "When illegal guns flood our streets, precious lives are lost and communities are destroyed." He does, however, recognize the decision as settled law, and points out that the Supreme Court affirmed that communities do have the right to enact sensible restrictions to gun ownership.

In August 2010, Mike chaired a forum in Chicago regarding the gun show loophole, which allows unscrupulous gun dealers to circumvent required background checks and licensing restrictions. The forum also examined other issues related to illegal gun trafficking. Key witnesses included then-Chicago Police Commissioner Jody Weis and Illinois State Police Commander Terry Lemming. Congressional Members in attendance included Jan Schakowsky, Bobby Scott, and John Conyers.

Mike is an outspoken opponent of the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) Reform and Firearms Modernization Act." Contrary to its title, this legislation would gut, rather than "reform," ATF's authority to crack down on gun dealers who break federal law and exacerbate illegal trafficking both within the United State and across the border. He is also a vocal opponent of Congressional efforts to impose a national concealed carry mandate that would reduce all state and local firearms laws to the lowest common denominator.

Mike has a long history of fighting for crime victims and working to prevent the conditions that breed violence and crime. He was the leading advocate on the Cook County Board for a new Domestic Violence Courthouse that would be safe for women and their children. His efforts led to the construction of the new Cook County Domestic Violence Courthouse, which has been open since 2005. He also secured additional county funding to provide enhanced medical and legal services for rape victims at Stroger Hospital.

Mike is committed to doing everything in his power to protecting the communities and children of the Illinois Fifth District. He participated in National Night Out (violence prevention community event), toured several local police stations, and worked with Uhlich Children's Action Network on its youth gun control initiative, "Hands without Guns." Mike also helped secure funding for equipment and infrastructure for public safety systems in Melrose Park and River Grove.

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