House Passes Two Bills Targeting Background Checks for Firearm Purchases

The House is determined to advance further gun control legislation as an action priority for Democrats.   Unfortunately eight republican House members are supportive of the Democrat effort to restrict gun ownership [HR8]. 

The republicans in the House who voted in support of the background check bills are: Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Will Hurd (R-TX-23), Peter T. King (R-NY-2), Brian Mast (R-FL-18), Chris Smith (R-NJ-4), and Fred Upton (R-MI-6).

WASHINGTON DC – […] “The first bill, [HR 8 HERE] which passed 227-203, is designed to close loopholes to ensure background checks are extended to private and online sales that often go undetected, including at gun shows. The legislation includes limited exceptions allowing temporary transfers to prevent imminent harm, for use at a target range and for gifts from family, among others.”

Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check.  The prohibition does not apply to certain firearm transfers, such as a gift between spouses in good faith.

The second bill, which passed 219-210, would extend the review period for background checks from three to 10 days. (more)