Congressman Neguse Applauds Newly Proposed DOJ Gun Violence Prevention Rule

Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO) issued the following statement applauding the Department of Justice’s decision to expand the definition of firearm dealers, closing the “gun show” and “internet” loopholes. House Democrats’ Bipartisan Safer Communities Act made this rule change possible.

“I have long advocated for universal background checks on gun purchases, and this newly proposed rule is an important step forward in the right direction. By ensuring that sellers at gun shows run background checks on potential customers, we can ultimately save countless lives.” 

“I am committed to working alongside House Democrats and President Biden to create safer communities, free from the scourge of gun violence. Our work is not over, but today’s announcement is historic progress.”  

Earlier this year, Congressman Neguse introduced the Secure Background Checks Act. This bill would add state-level age requirements to the list of federal prohibitors that the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check already identifies.

This bill follows a letter led by Congressman Neguse to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to identify the weakness in NICS that allowed an 18-year-old woman to travel from Florida to Colorado and purchase a firearm. The purchase of the gun was legal under Colorado law, but it would have been illegal for her to buy and possess it in her home state of Florida. While in Colorado, the woman threatened mass violence against Denver-area schools, invoking the memory of the Columbine school shooting and causing widespread panic in the area. 

Background

Since entering Congress, Congressman Neguse has made prioritizing community safety and tackling the gun violence epidemic an urgent priority for his office, pushing for measures that promote public safety and keep kids, families, and communities safe from the devastating incidents of gun violence. Last week, he held a community meeting with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, urging the passage of gun violence prevention legislation. 

In April 2023, Congressman Neguse unveiled a legislative package to prevent mass shootings. The package – which consists of the STOP Violence Act, Secure Background Checks Act, and the End Gun Violence Act. Learn more here.  

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