Press Release
Posted:
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Washington – Today, Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force (GVPTF) Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and 67 members of Congress and the GVPTF in urging House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Ranking Member Kay Granger (TX-12) to fully fund the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The law enforcement officers with the ATF play a crucial role in disrupting gun traffickers, stopping the flood of ghost guns, inspecting 134,000 firearm importers, collectors, pawnbrokers, manufacturers and dealers, known as federal firearms licensees (FFLs), and preventing felons and other prohibited purchasers from accessing firearms,” the letter reads. “We know that gun violence disproportionally results from stolen, trafficked, or other firearms acquired without a background check. That is why it is critically important that the ATF is fully funded and staffed to enforce our federal gun laws and help keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals.” Congress expanded the ATF’s responsibilities and tools in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Those authorities and the ongoing efforts to crack down on ghost guns are critical to help address the record levels of gun violence. The letter can be read in entirety here. |