Press Releases

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) voted in favor of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. Under current law, only licensed gun dealers must conduct background checks of individuals seeking to purchase a firearm. Most unlicensed sellers are not required to perform routine background checks which poses a safety risk to the American public. H.R. 8 would mandate background checks for all gun purchases.  

“Today, for the first time in nearly two decades, the United States House of Representatives voted on significant legislation to tackle the gun violence epidemic in our country. I was proud to vote with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to help make universal background checks a reality. This measure could save countless lives if it became law. I urge the Senate to join us in sending this bill to the President’s desk,” said Rep. Trahan. “90% of Americans agree: it is time for universal background checks. Nearly 40,000 Americans lose their lives each year because of gun violence. This bill represents a key first step to curbing gun violence in our country.” 

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