AGS Statement on Gonzales Confirmation Hearings

[struggle4progress]

Washington, DC - Americans for Gun Safety Executive Director Casey Anderson issued the following statement on Alberto Gonzales' confirmation hearing:

"Under John Ashcroft, the Justice Department talked a good game about getting tough on gun crime, but it did little to stop illegal gun trafficking or to crack down on convicted felons who attempt to buy firearms by lying during background checks. In fact, 20 of the nation's 22 major gun laws were almost never enforced, and firearm homicides have increased by 11 percent over the past four years."

"Alberto Gonzales should be asked where he stands on filling the gaps in federal gun enforcement and whether he will support renewed funding for Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Bush Administration's gun crime strategy, which was eliminated by Congress in a lame duck session shortly after the November elections."

"Gonzales also should be pressed to explain what he intends to do to follow through on the Bush Administration's commitment to close the loophole that allows criminals to avoid background checks when buying firearms at gun shows. The Bush Administration claimed to support renewing the assault weapons ban yet stood by in silence as it expired, and Congress deserves to know whether the Justice Department is serious about keeping guns away from criminals."

http://www.jointogether.org/gv/news/alerts/reader/0,2061,575528,00.html

[slackmaster]

1. Executive branch can't do squat about the "gun show loophole"

Which is actually a dysphemism for the fact that in most states individuals can sell used guns to other individuals without a background check or federal paper trail.

Closing the "GSL" would require an act of Congress (i.e. a change in federal law).