Majority Whip Clyburn Statement on Passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Statement

U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn issued the following statement following the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:

"Today's passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act marks the first time in three decades that Congress has sent gun violence prevention legislation to the President's desk for his signature. This package is a significant first step to curb the gun violence that is plaguing our country, and it will save lives.

"This bill includes provisions to keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them, including convicted domestic abusers in dating relationships and those under the age of 21 with juvenile or mental health records. While this legislation extends the time available for background checks only for those under 21, I will continue my efforts to further close the 'Charleston loophole' to ensure that firearms cannot be transferred to anyone whose background check remains incomplete.

"The bill will also crack down on unlicensed sellers, straw purchasers, and gun traffickers who have caused so much harm to our communities by facilitating access to guns for dangerous individuals barred from having them. Community-based violence prevention initiatives will receive $250 million. The bill's critical investments in mental health services, while distinct from gun violence prevention measures, will provide much-needed assistance to children and families across the country.

"This package is an overdue bipartisan acknowledgement that this country has a gun violence problem that must be addressed. I will continue working to ensure that our efforts to keep our communities and families safe from gun violence will not stop here."

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