NRA-ILA reported Tuesday that the U.S. House of Representatives will likely take a vote on two background check bills as early as next week. Democrats currently control the House 221–211.
The first bill calls for universal background checks and criminalizing private transfers. The second bill, erroneously dubbed the “Charleston Loophole,” would permit the federal government to delay firearm transfers.
HR 8 — The Background Checks Act of 2021
The universal background check bill, H.R. 8, introduced by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), would criminalize simply handing a firearm to another person, according to NRA-ILA. It exposes law-abiding gun owners like nothing ever before.
“NICS would become a gun owner registry if all firearms transfers were subject to NICS checks and the FBI retained records of approved checks indefinitely, both of which gun control supporters have proposed,” said an NRA-ILA statement. “Such records would include information currently maintained on federal Form 4473, documenting the identity of the firearm purchaser and the make, model and serial number of the firearm transferred. Over time, as people sell or bequeath their firearms, a registry of firearm transfers would become a registry of gun owners.”
HR 1446 — The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) introduced H.R. 1446. This bill would allow unelected government officials the ability to indefinitely delay firearm purchasers. It would also eliminate the current three-day provision that prevents such delays. So under this bill, if a background check doesn’t come back, gun transfers can be delayed indefinitely.
“The current three-day safety-valve provision is vital and protects gun owners in numerous ways,” said an NRA-ILA statement. “The safety-valve provision ensures that if there is a disruption to NICS or an overwhelming volume of background checks, lawful firearm transfers from dealers can still take place. Most importantly, the safety-valve provision ensures that the FBI carries out its background check duties in an expedient and responsible manner that recognizes the right to keep and bear arms as a constitutionally-protected individual right.”
We’ve already reported on previous legislation introductions. From stiff fines on unregistered guns to a massive NICS review and more, I think we can finally say its official. We face a full-on assault against the Second Amendment. And the battle has just begun.
