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House passes two gun safety measures; NCJW rejects troubling immigration provision in one

After more than a decade, the House of Representatives considered and passed two important gun safety bills that would address gaps in current law. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:

“It’s about time the federal government followed the leadership of the states, where gun violence prevention bills have passed from coast to coast. Today, we applaud House passage of HR 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019, which would provide additional time to allow a background check to be completed before a firearm sale. This is an important step towards addressing the “default proceed” provision in the background check system, also known as the “Charleston loophole.” This loophole allows licensed dealers to sell a gun after three business days even if a background check hasn’t been completed. Passage of this critical measure honors with action the 9 individuals who were shot and killed and the 3 injured at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC.

“And, yesterday, the House passed HR 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which would require a background check on every gun sale or transfer, with exceptions for gifts to family members, hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. While NCJW has been working to pass universal background checks without any exceptions for years, we cannot support the irrelevant language added as an amendment requiring notification of Immigration and Customs Enforcement when an undocumented immigrant attempts to purchase a gun. We look forward to working with the Senate to pass Senator Chris Murphy’s (D-CT) clean universal background checks bill.

“While we’re disappointed that when the House had a chance to act they chose to move forward at the expense of immigrants, we are buoyed by movement on critical gun safety measures instead of Congress’ usual thoughts and prayers. NCJW has long worked for gun safety measures in Washington, DC and in states across the US and we will continue to move the needle forward so that no one has to worry about being shot at school while worshiping, going to the movies, or living their daily lives.”