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The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence closely monitors gun-related legislation on Capitol Hill and educates lawmakers and their staff about the need to enact sensible gun laws to reduce gun violence in America.

Federal Legislative Issues for 2010:

1) Repealing the Tiahrt Amendments
The Coalition seeks the repeal of amendments to the ATF appropriations bill that restrict the ability of law enforcement, state and local government officials, and the public to access valuable data on traced crime guns.

2) Closing the Gun Show Loophole
The Gun Show Loophole allows criminals and other prohibited purchasers to buy firearms from private sellers without undergoing a background check in 33 states across the nation and must be closed.

3) Renewing the Assault Weapons Ban
The federal ban on assault weapons expired in September 2004 without any substantive action by Congress.  With law enforcement being outgunned by criminals on America’s streets, it is time to renew and strengthen the ban.

4) Closing the Terrorist Watch List Loophole
Individuals on the FBI’s Terrorist Watch List are currently prohibited from boarding airplanes, but can legally purchase firearms, handguns and assault weapons included.  The Coalition is working to close this dangerous loophole.

5) Defending the District of Columbia's Gun Laws
For years, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has attempted to repeal the District's democratically-enacted gun laws through legislation in the U.S. Congress. The Coalition has opposed these efforts, and will continue to do so now that the city has enacted permanent and comprehensive gun laws in the wake of the D.C. v. Heller decision.

6) Opposing Efforts to Weaken States' Concealed Handgun Laws
The Coalition has actively opposed the "Thune Amendment," which would force states to accept concealed handgun permits that are issued by other states. The practical effect of this change would be to reduce concealed carry regulations in the United States to the lowest common denominator, as many states have weak (or no) screening processes for permit applicants. For more information about the amendment, click here.

7) Keeping Loaded Guns Out of National Parks
In May 2009, the NRA successfully attached an amendment to the "Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act" that repeals federal regulations governing the safe storage and transportation of firearms in America's National Park. CSGV opposed the NRA's effort along with a broad coalition of conservation and environmental groups.  Click here to read more about the amendment, which takes effect in February 2010, and learn what you can do to respond.

8) Monitoring the “NICS Improvement Act of 2007”
The NICS Improvement Act began as an effort to give states grant funding to submit more records into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).  Unfortunately, the gun lobby was allowed to add extensive language to the final bill, which could now end up doing more harm than good. The Coalition will be monitoring the implementation of this law and calling for any needed reforms.

CSGV in the News
 
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