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 2009:
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 35 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) Keeping Loaded Guns Out of National Parks
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has launched a campaign to repeal federal regulations governing the safe storage and transportation of firearms in our National Park lands. CSGV is opposing the NRA's effort along with a broad coalition of conservation and environmental groups. Click here to read more about the effort to keep our parks safe.
6) Defending the District of Columbia's Gun Laws
For years, the 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.
7) 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.
- Press Release - National Gun Violence Prevention Organizations Call for Effective Federal Assault Weapons Ban in Wake of Alabama Rampage Shooting Leaving 11 Dead, Including Shooter - March 11, 2009
- Nashville Scene - Gun Play - February 7, 2008
- The Rockbridge Report - Business as Usual at Gun Show After Background Check Bill Fails - January 31, 2008
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- Fredericksburg.com - Senate Committee Nixes Bill to Close Gun Sale 'Loophole' - January 24, 2008
- Daily Progress - Measure to Shut Loophole Defeated - January 24, 2008
- Washington Post (Virginia) - Senate Panel Defeats Bill on Gun Show Sales - January 24, 2008
- Herald Tribune (Southwest Florida) - A Step Forward on Gun Safety - January 12, 2008
- Los Angeles Times - Bush Signs Bill Geared to Toughen Screening of Gun Buyers - January 8, 2008
- Cybercast News Service - Background Check Bill Dismissed as 'Gun Lobby Wish List' - December 21, 2007
- Press Release - New Veterans Secretary James Peake Will Face Tremendous Challenge Implementing New Gun Background Check System - December 20, 2007
- Roll Call - Taking on the Gun Lobby - December 17, 2007
- Press Release - Gun Lobby Hijacks Bill Intended to Improve Gun Buyer Background Checks - December 12, 2007
- New York Times - Guns and the Mentally Ill - September 6, 2007
- Roll Call - Gun Control - NRA Style - August 1, 2007
- Press Release - National Gun Violence Prevention Groups Voice Concern About Dangerous Components of Bill to Improve Background Check System - July 25, 2007
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