Chairman Mike Thompson: Investigation Highlights the Need for Criminal Background Chekcs

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, released the following statement today on the bipartisan Mayor's Against Illegal Guns collation's investigation that found 1 in 30 would-be gun buyers on the popular website Armslist.com are prohibited from possessing a firearm and could not pass a background check if they attempted to purchase a firearm though a licensed dealer. Current federal law does not require background checks for internet sales.

"It's outrageous that thousands of criminals, terrorists, domestic abusers, and dangerously mentally ill individuals can bypass a background check and get a gun online with a few clicks of a mouse. This investigation found that one website could transfer more than 25,000 guns a year to individuals with criminal records, with no questions asked. We need to close this loophole. That's why I've introduced bipartisan legislation requiring background checks for firearm purchases made over the internet, at gun shows and through classified ads. The American people deserve for this bill to be signed into law. It respects our Second Amendment rights and will help save lives," said Thompson.

Thompson is a co-author of H.R. 1565 with Pete King (R-NY). The bipartisan King-Thompson legislation is identical to the bipartisan agreement on background checks struck by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Pat Toomey (R-PA). More than 180 House members have cosponsored the bill. H.R. 1565 expands the existing background check system to require comprehensive and enforceable background checks for all commercial firearm sales, including those at gun shows, over the internet or in classified ads. More than 180 House members have cosponsored the bill.

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