https://www.bradyunited.org/press-releases/passage-hr8-hr1446-house-of-representatives-background-checks
Washington, D.C., March 11, 2021 - Following the passage of H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 in the U.S. House of Representatives, Brady calls for the U.S. Senate to quickly take up and pass these bipartisan bills for President Biden’s signature. Today’s vote demonstrated again the demand for common-sense gun violence prevention policies from all Americans, regardless of party. This bipartisan vote clearly demonstrates that the U.S. House of Representatives has recognized that gun violence prevention is not a partisan issue, it is a life-saving necessity.
Brady President Kris Brown shared:
“This is a momentous day. Today, the House of Representatives reflected the will of the people in a bipartisan vote. These representatives took action, not sides. This is unsurprising, as just this week new polling showed that an overwhelming majority of Americans, including substantial majorities of Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters, want common-sense reforms like background checks on all gun sales. The House of Representatives has delivered.
It is now up to the Senate to take up these bills and send them to President Biden for his signature. The Senate cannot delay and we will not accept obstruction. Gun violence kills over 100 people a day and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable and disenfranchised communities. If the Senate cannot pass these bills due to outmoded procedures like the filibuster, then they must receive a simple majority vote where we know they will pass. This is about saving lives.”
About H.R. 8:
Introduced on March 2, 2021 by Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), H.R. 8makes it unlawful to sell or transfer a firearm in any transaction without a Brady Background Check. This bill expands the current Brady Law to every sale or transfer in private sales, subject to the narrow exceptions.
About H.R. 1446:
Introduced on March 2, 2021 by Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC-6), H.R. 1446 provides the background check system with additional time to make a final determination on a potential firearms purchaser before a licensed dealer can transfer a gun, addressing the so-called “Charleston loophole.”
Currently, federal law allows a “default proceed,” whereby a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL) can transfer a gun to a customer if the federal background check is not completed within 3 business days of the background check request to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
The Charleston loophole is named for the 2015 mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Charleston, S.C., that killed nine innocent people. The shooter – who was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm – was able to acquire his gun before the FBI could complete his background check. Although the FBI needed more time to investigate the shooter’s disqualifying records to determine whether the purchase was lawful, federal law allowed the dealer to transfer the gun after three days even though the check was not completed.
