Press Releases

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting against two attempts by House Democrats to keep law-abiding Americans from being able to purchase guns, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 8) and the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 1112):

“While well-intended, neither of these bills would solve the problem Washington Democrats are claiming – an end to gun violence. Instead of working on common sense solutions that will actually make our communities safer, Washington Democrats have made this a partisan show. In fact, the changes made to background checks in these two pieces of legislation will not stop criminals from acquiring guns – criminals do not follow the law and they do not go through background checks. These bills are nothing but a ploy to make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase firearms and protect themselves and their families.”

Background

Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 8)

This bill would prohibit any person that isn’t a licensed importer, manufacturer or dealer, to transfer a firearm to a person unless the firearm first passes through a licensed institution, effectively criminalizing handing a firearm to another person. The bill would provide a few exceptions, including weapons transferred to law enforcement and armed forces, so long as it is within the scope of their employment, and loans and gifts to certain family members. 

Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 1112)

This bill would require federal firearms licensees or dealers to wait ten days for an answer from National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).  If the licensees or dealer has not received an answer from NICS, even after the ten days, the licensee or dealer is prohibited from selling or transferring the firearm. The prospective purchaser, not the licensee or dealer, may file a petition with the Attorney General if no answer is received after 10 days.  Effectively, this allows the government to create an indefinite delay of firearm purchases for law-abiding Hoosiers.