Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed a bill, opposed by Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), which would shield gun dealers who negligently sell weapons to individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
Representative Van Hollen offered an amendment to hold gun dealers responsible for civil negligence if the gun dealer knowingly sells a weapon to a person in the “Violent Gang and Terrorist File” (which includes the “Terrorist Watch List” and is maintained by the U.S. Attorney General) and the person commits a crime with that weapon. The amendment was rejected by Judiciary Committee Republicans.
“The American people need to know that by their votes today, Judiciary Committee Republicans gave a green light to gun dealers to knowingly sell weapons to terrorists and gang members,” said Van Hollen. “They have put the profits of certain gun dealers above the public safety of their constituents. Their actions make it easier for terrorists and gang members to buy weapons.”