Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin teamed up with U.S. Representative Robin Kelly to unveil the Federal Firearm Licensee Act. The legislation aims to overhaul laws that regulate licensed firearm dealers, marking the first comprehensive update in over three decades. Existing statutes are deemed insufficient in the current business and technological landscape, providing inadequate oversight over rogue gun dealers.

"Our existing laws allow far too many guns to find their way into the hands of individuals who pose a threat to our communities," stated Durbin. "I'm teaming up with Congresswoman Kelly to introduce the Federal Firearm Licensee Act to ensure that people who shouldn’t have guns aren’t able to get them, including by requiring licensed firearm dealers to take steps to prevent the guns in their inventory from being stolen and trafficked for use in violent crimes."

Representative Kelly, who is also the Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, highlighted the necessity of the bill. "It is long-past time we bring our gun safety laws into the 21st century. It is simply commonsense for every gun dealer to be responsible for their product and ensure they do not unwittingly provide guns to people with dangerous intentions."

The legislation is co-sponsored by a group of U.S. Senators, including Sheldon Whitehouse, Richard Blumenthal, Mazie Hirono, Cory Booker, Alex Padilla, Peter Welch, Jeanne Shaheen, and Jack Reed. It has also received endorsements from several gun safety advocacy organizations, namely GIFFORDS, Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady United, Community Justice Action Fund, March for Our Lives, and Moms Demand Action.

John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, commented on the issue, emphasizing the bill's importance: “It’s still way too easy for shady gun dealers to exploit cracks in the system and sell guns to criminals. This bill would give ATF more tools to hold rogue gun dealers accountable for putting profits ahead of public safety, and we applaud Representative Kelly and Senator Durbin’s tireless work to advance it.”

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act proposes several measures, such as requiring physical security to prevent firearm theft, clarifying dealer standards for licensing, repealing Appropriations riders that hinder ATF enforcement and public database disclosure, and enhancing record retention and electronic management for background checks.