Torres Introduces Bill to Block Trump’s Plan to Deregulate Exportation of Firearms

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) introduced the Prevent Crime and Terrorism Act of 2018 to limit the Trump administration's plans to deregulate firearm exports. Under President Trump's proposal, the export licensing process for firearms would no longer be controlled by the State Department, which has the on-the-ground expertise and relationships necessary to properly weigh the potential risks of firearm sales against any benefits, and would instead be controlled by Department of Commerce.

"Our priority should be to make sure that firearms do not end up in the wrong hands," said Rep. Torres. "My bill address concerns that the deregulation of firearms exports would increase the flow of firearms to terrorists and drug cartels, leading to increased levels of violence across the world and undermining U.S. national security." Torres added, "The responsibility of the Department of Commerce is to promote job creation and economic growth, not assess national security threats. We should be more worried about protecting the safety and security of Americans abroad—our troops, diplomats, tourists, and businesspeople—than about increasing the profits of the gun industry."

The Prevent Crime and Terrorism Act of 2018 would maintain current regulations governing the exportation of firearms, flame throwers, grenade launchers, and other military equipment. Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is an original co-sponsor of the bill, along with Rep. James P. McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI).

The bill is available HERE and a section-by-section analysis of the bill is available HERE.

Rep. Torres is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she serves on the Western Hemisphere and Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittees.