Quigley, Thompson Push for Updated Firearm Trafficking Statistics
WASHINGTON– Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Mike Thompson (CA-5), members of the Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, sent a letter along with 46 of their Democratic colleagues to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) urging for the publication of an updated “Following the Gun” report, which examines where criminals obtain their firearms, in light of recent tragedies involving gun violence.
“Our nation is facing an undeniable epidemic of gun violence that’s affecting all corners of the country and it is our duty to do everything we can to ensure that our loved ones and neighbors are not the next victims of gun violence,” said Rep. Quigley. “Updated research and reports will aid policymakers as we continue to confront this crisis we are facing as a nation. I’m proud to lead this letter to the ATF recommending necessary updated information to help Congress develop the most effective possible enforcement strategies in preventing gun violence in America.”
“As we work to reduce gun violence in our country, it’s imperative that lawmakers have up-to-date information about how criminals obtain firearms,” said Rep. Thompson, Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. “Thirty people are killed everyday by someone using a gun. Congress has a responsibility to curb the epidemic of gun violence and keep our communities safe. That starts by making sure dangerous people like criminals don’t have easy access to firearms. The ATF should issue an updated “Following the Gun” report immediately to better identify how criminals are getting guns today so that we can cut off their access to firearms.”
The last “Following the Gun” report was released by the ATF in 2000. At the time, this influential report shed light on the state of gun violence in this country, but this information is now almost two decades old. The letter outlines a critical step the ATF should take to help adequately address the serious crisis of gun violence through the publishing of an updated “Following the Gun” report to better educate members of Congress and aid in new policy directives. To read the full letter, click here.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Quigley has called on Congress to stand up to the gun lobby in America. Most recently, he co-authored a bipartisan background check bill that expands the existing background check system to cover all commercial firearm sales. He also introduced the Good Neighbor Gun Act, which 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. 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 believes Chicago’s gun violence epidemic demands a federal response. He has led bills to increase funding to public safety and combat gun violence in the Chicago area, and is an original sponsor of the Buyback our Safety Act to bolster gun buyback initiatives.