Huntington, NY - June 15, 2016 - Today, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern demanded that House Republicans put partisan talking points aside and pass common sense gun safety legislation by expanding the federal background check system and closing gaping background check loopholes.
As Orlando has tragically reminded us again, the continuing toll of Congress’s inaction on gun safety costs Americans their lives. Comprehensive background checks and waiting periods are proven to reduce firearms trafficking, prevent domestic abusers from obtaining guns, and cut down on the number of unlawful gun transfers to those who intend to commit monstrous acts of violence.
Legislator Steve Stern also announced that he will work in Congress to close the “Charleston Loophole” and the “Gunshow loophole.” The “Charleston Loophole,” which permits a gun sale to go forward if the purchaser's background check is not completed within three days, allowed mass murderer Dylann Roof to buy a pistol. The “Gunshow Loophole,” which is exploited daily, allows anyone who purchases a gun online or at a gunshow to do so without going through any federal background check whatsoever. About 40% of all guns are purchased without a background check or waiting period.
Currently, there is no federally mandated waiting periods for purchasing a gun and only ten states and the District of Columbia have state mandated background checks.
In demanding Congressional action, Legislator Steve Stern said: “Long Islanders have an all-too-personal history with gun violence and enough is enough. This has become a national epidemic and our current laws are either non-existent or not strong enough. We must immediately close the dangerous and glaring loopholes and expand our background check system to prevent anyone who is or has been on law enforcement’s radar from buying a weapon. We simply cannot wait for another tragedy and continue with the same useless debate. The country is demanding solutions and Congress must act now.”
“The time for 'thoughts and prayers' is over. It’s time for real solutions," Stern continued. “Congress should immediately enact waiting periods for all gun purchases with longer periods for non-hunting weapons. It is pure lunacy that in America today, someone can legally walk into a gun store or gun show and, in a matter of minutes, walk out with a weapon of war. This has become a national emergency, a national health crisis, and literally a matter of life and death. Congress must finally stand up to the NRA and take immediate action so that no more families have to mourn the loss of a loved one taken from them too soon."
About Steve Stern:
Legislator Steve Stern has spent his entire career fighting for middle class families, veterans, and senior citizens on Long Island. Currently serving his sixth term as a Suffolk County Legislator, Steve has stood out as both a progressive champion and a prudent watchdog of taxpayer dollars. He has been a leader in our community – fighting for homeless veterans, senior citizens, and protecting the Long Island Sound. Steve lives in Dix Hills with his wife, Meredith, and his two teenage boys. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and serves as adjunct Professor at Touro School of Law. Steve has also served as trustee of the Multiple Sclerosis Society-LI Chapter, a past Vice-President of the Suffolk Y-JCC, and a coach in Half Hollow Hills Little League.