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Quigley, Kelly Introduce the Good Neighbor Gun Dealer Act

September 22, 2015

CHICAGO – U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the Good Neighbor Gun Dealer Act. This bill would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a voluntary code of conduct for licensed gun dealers and create a national "Good Neighbor" certification for gun dealers who abide by a certain set of requirements. In addition, the legislation would encourage DOJ to do more to both investigate unscrupulous firearms retailers and identify where crime guns are sold — an effort that, in time, will help local residents to name and shame the "bad apple" gun dealers in their area.

The legislation aims to address the relatively small number of irresponsible gun dealers in America who sell the vast majority of the guns used in crimes. For example, every day, on average, more than 10 prohibited people obtain a firearm because a dealer refuses to wait for a full background check to be completed.

"It is no secret that Chicago is plagued by gun violence – but this is not just a Chicago issue. It seems like every day we receive breaking news on the latest tragic shooting," saidRep. Quigley. Congress needs to act now to stem the flow of illegal guns, and the Good Neighbor Gun Dealer Act is a great place to start. By awarding certifications to responsible dealers, the Department of Justice would help to encourage firearms sellers to adopt best practices for keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this issue and seeing it through the House."

"One of the surest ways to reduce gun violence is to deny sales to those who shouldn't be allowed to purchase a gun. It's time that gun dealers take responsibility for their products, which have real and deadly consequences when placed in the wrong hands," saidRep. Kelly. "The Good Neighbor Gun Dealer Act is a common-sense way to not only hold bad apple gun dealers responsible but also acknowledge gun dealers that abide by federal laws. It's a simple bill that can save countless lives."

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Quigley has lead bills to increase funding to public safety and combat gun violence in the Chicago area. He also has called on Congress to stand up to the gun lobby in America and believes Chicago's gun violence demands a federal response. His signature legislation, the TRACE Act, cracks down on the illegal gun market by improving gun tracking data and provides law enforcement the tools it needs to enforce current gun laws. Rep. Quigley is also an original sponsor of the Buyback our Safety Act to bolster gun buyback initiatives.