I am writing to you because the Biden-Harris administration has done everything it can to enact universal background checks and now (see April 11 announcement of rules change). Now it is time for Congress to complete the job. Congress must enact universal background checks and increase funding for the ATF so the agency can continue its life-saving work to stop the flow of illegal firearms into our communities (the President requested $2 billion for ATF as part of his FY 25 budget request).
The background check system was created to keep firearms out of the hands of people who are legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing them in the first place. However, loopholes are undermining this system. 1 in 5 legal gun sales happen without background checks because unlicensed gun sellers can sell guns through online classified ads, at gun shows, and through word of mouth without running background checks on their buyers. (https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M16-1590) Someone convicted of a violent crime could be turned away from a licensed gun dealer, walk across the street, and buy an AR-15 at a gun show, no questions asked. If you sell guns for profit, you should be required to run a background check on gun buyers.
The new rules changes are a significant step towards closing the gun show loophole by implementing a new rule that mandates background checks for all firearm sales, including those at gun shows, flea markets, and online platforms. While this measure is a critical step it is not enough on its own to fully address the issue of gun violence in our nation. Congress must take further action.
This is a commonsense gun reform and is supported by 86% of U.S. adults who want Congress to mandate background checks. (Mood of the Nation Poll, May 12-18, 2023). You have the power to create a safer future for us all, so please enact universal background check legislation and fully fund the ATF efforts to combat the flow of illegal firearms into our communities.
