Gun Safety and Judiciary

Gun Safety and Judiciary

Following my own personal tragedy more than 15 years ago, I went to Congress to pass common sense gun legislation and reduce the number of deaths from gun violence.  This has been a battle that I have been fighting in Washington for seven terms and it is a battle that I will continue to fight in Congress.  We must provide law enforcement with the firearm tracing data necessary to solve gun crimes, and work to prevent those on a terrorist watch list from purchasing firearms.  While some progress has been made, there is still much work that needs to be done to truly end the gun violence epidemic. 

Carolyn has introduced the following bills:

Gun Trafficking Prevention Act , H.R. 4298

Guns are often trafficked from states with weaker gun laws to states with stronger gun laws. The ATF reports that about 70% of traced guns used in crimes in New York come from outside the state. There is currently no comprehensive law specifically addressing the activity of interstate or international firearms trafficking. H.R. 4298, the Gun Trafficking Prevention Act will stop the steady flow of illegal guns between states and across our southern border into Mexico. The bill will empower local, state, and federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute gun traffickers and their entire criminal networks, while protecting responsible, law-abiding gun owners. It puts on the books a strict, clear “Trafficking in Firearms” crime and includes enhanced penalties for corrupt gun dealers and additional resources for ATF.

No Fly, No Buy Act of 2009, H.R. 2401

Today, it is easier to purchase a gun than to board an airplane.  Today, any person whose name appears on the no fly list can purchase any type of firearm, including military-style assault weapons, provided that he is not a felon, drug addict, or a domestic abuser. Since 9-11, we have passed many laws to improve homeland security.  Especially in the wake of the Fort Hood shooting and the Christmas Day bombing attempt aboard a passenger airliner, it is important to take another look at the laws we have in place to keep us safe. Yet, this loophole remains open.  If you are denied the chance to board an airplane because of suspected ties to terrorists, then you also should be denied the opportunity to purchase a gun. HR 2401, the “No Fly, No Buy” Act, would add people who are listed on the no fly list to the current groups of people who cannot purchase or obtain a gun.

Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2009, H.R. 2324

Because the Brady background check effectively stopped criminals from directly buying guns at licensed gun stores, criminals are forced to find other ways to acquire guns. Criminals have discovered that at gun shows, large numbers of private buyers and sellers come together in one place and sell guns where no background check is required. Criminals have exploited this loophole in the Brady Act to purchase firearms. Congresswoman McCarthy will continue to take a lead role in pressing for action on H.R. 2324, which would close the loophole in our gun laws allowing anyone to purchase a gun at a gun show without undergoing a background check.\

Firearm Owners Responsibility Act, H.R. 5736

Requires any person who lawfully possesses or owns a firearm to report the theft or loss of such firearm within 72 hours after discovering its theft or loss.

Carolyn has cosponsored the following bills:

COPS Improvements Act of 2009, H.R. 1139

The bill would reauthorize and strengthen the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and reinvigorates its ability to accomplish its critical mission by establishing three new grant programs. The bill passed the House 342-78 on April 23, 2009.

Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009, H.R. 413

The legislation would guarantee the rights of firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical service workers in all 50 states to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.

Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2009, H.R. 2159

Like Congresswoman McCarthy’s ‘No Fly, No Buy’ Act, this bill seeks to close the ‘terror gap’. Currently, known or suspected terrorists can legally buy guns in this country. H.R. 2159 would add individuals on the terrorist list watch lists to the list of prohibited firearm purchasers.

Keep Kids Safe Act, H.R. 4727

Prohibits the possession of a firearm by, or the sale or transfer of a firearm to, any person who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor sex offense against a minor.

Airport Security Act of 2010, H.R. 5321

Prohibits all but specified authorized individuals from possessing a firearm at a covered airport.

Open Access to Courts Act of 2009, H.R. 4115

Overturns the Iqbal Supreme Court decision and returns to the old pleading standard whereby evidence can be obtained in the discovery phase of trial.

Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act, H.R. 5718

Closes the “fire sale loophole,” which will restrict the ability of a person whose Federal firearms license has been revoked, to transfer business inventory firearms.

PLEA Act, H.R. 6030

Bans the manufacture, sale, possession, importation, or transfer of the cop-killer gun, the Five-seven handguns, manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium.

Carolyn voted on the following legislation that has been voted on in the House:

Congresswoman McCarthy voted against a provision in H.R. 627 that would have allowed for loaded guns in national parks.

The provision says that individuals be allowed to carry loaded guns into national parks or national wildlife refuges if possession is permitted by the relevant state law. Our national parks are among our greatest treasures. We are blessed as a nation with some of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes and open spaces in the world. With more than 275 million visits every year, Americans from all walks of life travel from far and near to enjoy these amazing resources. When families are out to experience the wonders of our lands, the last thing they should have to worry about is the threat of gun violence. Millions of acres of Federal lands are already open to recreational hunters. With this provision, Congress has put families at risk.  Passed by a vote of 279-147 and was signed into law by the President.

COPS Improvements Act of 2009.

The bill would reauthorize and strengthen the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and reinvigorates its ability to accomplish its critical mission by establishing three new grant programs.  The bill passed the House 342-78 on April 23, 2009.