King Keeps Guns Out of Terrorists’ Hands
Introduces Legislation Denying Terrorists Legal Access to Guns and Explosives

May 7, 2007

For Immediate Release
Contact Carol Danko
202-225-7896

WASHINGTON- Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) introduced legislation, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2007 (H.R. 2074), which would tighten the current law that allows individuals listed on the terrorist watch list to legally purchase firearms.

“I can’t think of a more obviously disqualifying criterion from purchasing a weapon than being listed on a terror watch list,” said Rep. King. “It is unfathomable to me that we knowingly allow the transfer of firearms to these individuals.  Changing this policy should be a no-brainer.”

Under current law, an individual wishing to purchase a firearm is background checked against a list of prohibiting criteria, and is simultaneously checked against the FBI’s Violent Gang and Terrorist Organization file. Absent any prohibiting criteria, the purchase legally goes through, even if the name is on a terror watch list.  Being on a terror watch list does not prohibit an individual from purchasing a firearm or explosive.

Rep. King’s bill fixes this loophole by granting the Attorney General the authority to deny the transfer of firearms and explosives to an individual on a terror watch list, as well as deny those seeking state permits allowing them to skip Brady Act background checks. The bill also outlines the procedures for appeal for those who believe their name was wrongly placed on the list.

“Common-sense laws that protect us from terrorism must be put in place,” said Rep. King. “Our role in Congress is to create laws that protect the American people, not to uphold those that give terrorists the right to bear arms.”

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