Durbin Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation To Combat Illegal Straw Purchasing And Firearms Trafficking
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Susan Collins (R-ME), introduced bipartisan legislation to close loopholes that criminals exploit to obtain firearms through straw purchasing and firearms trafficking. The Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2019 would, for the first time, make it an explicit federal crime to act as a straw purchaser of firearms. The bill would also create tough penalties for anyone who transfers a firearm with reasonable cause to believe that it will be used in a drug crime, crime of violence, or act of terrorism.
“Chicago and cities across the country are flooded with guns that have been illicitly trafficked into the area from states with weaker gun laws. Oftentimes, these guns wind up in the hands of people who are legally barred from possessing one. Our bill would crack down on this gun trafficking and straw purchasing and help increase safety in our communities,” Durbin said.
This bipartisan measure does not affect lawful purchases from federal firearms licensees. The bill is supported by numerous law enforcement organizations, including the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the National Tactical Officers Association.
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