Holt Calls For Common-Sense Gun Control Nationwide

Press Release

Holt Calls For Common-Sense Gun Control Nationwide

Following a roundtable discussion with state law enforcement, school safety officers, and gun control advocacy organizations, Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today called for the federal government to adopt gun control laws nationwide modeled on New Jersey's effective and reasonable gun control statutes. --- Following a roundtable discussion with state law enforcement, school safety officers, and gun control advocacy organizations, Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today called for the federal government to adopt gun control laws nationwide modeled on New Jersey's effective and reasonable gun control statutes.D.C. --- Following a roundtable discussion with state law enforcement, school safety officers, and gun control advocacy organizations, Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today called for the federal government to adopt gun control laws nationwide modeled on New Jersey's effective and reasonable gun control statutes.

"New Jersey's gun laws are strong, sensible, and help to keep us safe," said Holt. "Police, hobbyists, hunters, and other citizens live very comfortably under New Jersey's laws but our safety is undercut by lax laws in other states. Congress and the states have the responsibility to enact laws that make it less likely for the most dangerous weapons to get into the hands of those who should not have them."

New Jersey earned an A- in its most recent "report card" from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, in recognition of its sensible gun laws such as licensing and registration of all handguns and a strong assault weapons ban. However, weak gun laws in neighboring and other states mean that New Jersey citizens remain at risk of gun violence.

"The open environment of schools and campuses make them especially vulnerable to gun violence," said Holt. "Our children and students must be protected."

Rep. Holt and other roundtable participants called for federal action to mandate sensible regulations the purchase and ownership of firearms. Rep. Holt called for reinstatement of the federal assault weapons ban, more extensive and stronger enforcement of background checks prior to gun purchases, closing the "gun show loophole," and making illegal gun trace data publicly available. Earlier this year, Rep. Holt led Members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation in an effort to restore access to illegal gun trace data for local law enforcement and the public. This would help local officials identify and prevent illegal gun trafficking.

"Most firearm owners are responsible," said Holt. "However the expiration of the assault weapons ban, a lack of uniformity in sensible restrictions on the types of firearms that may be bought and who may buy them, and inadequate background checks mean that dangerous guns can end up easily in the wrong hands. For the safety of families, individuals, and students in New Jersey, we must enact sensible gun control laws nationwide."

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