Scott Statement on House Passage of Bills to Address Gun Violence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), a Vice Chair of House Democratic Caucus' Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, and H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021, a bill that closes the "Charleston" loophole which allows someone to purchase a firearm three days after a background check begins even if it hasn't been completed:

"For too long, Americans have been forced to live with gun violence and mass shootings at our schools, places of worship, concerts, and in our neighborhoods. The bills passed by the House today close gun show and internet gun sale loopholes which circumvent criminal background checks. H.R. 1446 will also close the so-called ‘Charleston loophole' which allowed Dylann Roof to obtain a firearm when he otherwise would not have been able to purchase a weapon. Universal background checks for firearm sales is an effective measure that helps prevent gun violence by keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. The passage of these bills is an important first step in making our schools, neighborhoods, and communities safer. The Senate must swiftly pass both of these pieces of legislation and send them to President Biden's desk for signature. Further inaction is not an option."

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