Reps. Norma Torres & Brad Schneider Reintroduce the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act
Washington, D.C. – Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Brad Schneider (IL-10) today reintroduced the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act. The legislation requires all federal firearms licensees to report the sale of two or more long guns, including semi-automatic rifles such as AR-15s and AK-47s, to an individual within a 5-day period.
"As a former 9-1-1 dispatcher, I've heard the cries on the other side of the line after a horrific act of gun violence, and those calls will always stay with me," said Congresswoman Torres. "June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and as Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I am reintroducing this critical legislation with Rep. Schneider to curb the tragic violence plaguing our country.
"Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teenagers, and we need more tools and resources to change that horrifying statistic," continued Congresswoman Torres. "Republicans lack the courage to do the right thing and pass common sense gun reforms that are supported by the majority of Americans. In fact, they chose to spend their time on the floor this week overturning a federal safeguard to crack down on deadly arm braces, which have been used in multiple mass shootings. While they may fail to act following mass shooting after mass shooting, I will keep fighting for the passage of lifesaving legislation – including my bill and other measures like background checks and banning assault weapons – to address our national gun violence epidemic."
Last year, law enforcement officials reported that the shooter from the Uvalde school shooting – which claimed the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers – purchased two AR platform rifles within a three-day period from a federally authorized dealer. Every year, 19,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded, and approximately 3 million are exposed to gun violence. There have been 291 mass shootings this year alone, resulting in more than 350 deaths.
"After countless horrific shootings including in Highland Park, Americans are demanding Congress to do something to address our senseless epidemic of mass shootings," said Rep. Brad Schneider. "Now I'm asking my colleagues to help with this: let's require a report on the sale of two or more long guns. It's a commonsense step toward keeping our children safe in their schools, our congregations safe at worship, and our families safe at the grocery."
The Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act is supported by the Brady Campaign, Giffords, Everytown for Gun Safety, March For Our Lives, National Education Association, Amnesty International, and Women Against Gun Violence.
"Individuals purchasing multiple firearms in a condensed period often do so for nefarious purposes. These bulk purchases are a strong indicator that these guns may be trafficked, used in crimes, or in violent acts. Expanding the requirement for Federal Firearms Licensees to report on all sales of multiple firearms – beyond just handguns – will help to identify potential trafficking and criminal misuse and can prevent tragedies before they occur. Brady applauds Congresswoman Torres for introducing this lifesaving legislation," said Kris Brown, President of the Brady Campaign.
"We have seen what happens when a person stockpiles firearms and then perpetrates a heinous act of violence. Law enforcement and public safety need access to information that can help prevent gun crimes rather than be forced to put the pieces together in the aftermath of a tragedy. The Multiple Firearm Sales Report Modernization Act would require a gun dealer to notify ATF when a person purchases multiple guns in a short period of time, enabling ATF to work with state and local law enforcement to intervene before a shooting occurs. We thank Representatives Torres and Schneider for their leadership on this issue," said Adzi Vokhiwa, GIFFORDS Federal Affairs Director.
The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Grace Meng (NY-06), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-31), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).