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Congressman Pappas votes to pass bipartisan common sense gun safety reform legislation H.R. 8

February 27, 2019

Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Chris Pappas, a co-sponsor of H.R. 8, voted to pass the bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 that would help save lives and keep people safe amidst the uniquely American tragedy of gun violence. H.R. 8, the first piece of common sense gun safety reform to pass the House of Representatives in nine years, closes a loophole within the existing background check system that exempts individuals purchasing a gun from an unlicensed gun seller, from the background check process.

"Common sense gun safety reform is long overdue and today is an important first step," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "These widely supported universal background checks will prevent guns from falling into the hands of criminals and bad actors while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. Our thoughts and prayers are not enough to prevent gun violence. I look forward to our continued bipartisan work to enact common sense measures that will save lives and keep our communities safe."

Common sense measures to enact universal background checks have been widely supported by Americans, including more than 90 percent of gun-owning households. Congressman Chris Pappas has also co-sponsored H.R. 1296, a bill that would reinstate a ban on the sale of assault weapons. The federal assault weapons ban signed into law in 1994 expired in 2004.