The National Consumers League calls on Congress to enact the Bipartisan Background Checks Act to address the gun violence epidemic
June 2, 2022
Media contact: National Consumers League – Katie Brown, katie@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832
Washington, DC— The National Consumers League (NCL) strongly supports The Bipartisan Background Checks Act (H.R. 8) and urges members of Congress to enact this common-sense gun legislation. Introduced by Representative Mike Thompson (CA-5), NCL views H.R. 8 as the first significant step to safeguarding consumers against the rampant gun violence in America.
Gun violence is disproportionally higher in the United States compared to other industrialized nations. In this respect, it is a uniquely American problem and one that policy-makers have an obligation to address. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), guns are now the leading cause of death among youth. As a leading organization representing consumers, NCL is dedicated to supporting legislation designed to ensure that gun violence, from the recent tragedy in Uvalde, Texas to the racially motivated massacre in Buffalo, New York, never happen again.
One of the first steps to begin mitigating this epidemic is requiring more thorough background checks. Recent studies conducted by the School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, highlight how background checks can significantly reduce gun related deaths. This is why the passage of H.R. 8 is so important. The bill will establish new background check requirements, making them a mandatory practice in all transactions, including those between private parties.
While the passage of H.R. 8 is significant, NCL is deeply disappointed by policy-makers’ refusal to adopt more robust gun safety legislation. It is imperative that Congress institute an automatic assault rifle ban to limit access to firm-arms deliberately designed to kill humans. Furthermore, a national gun registry must be established to increase gun owners’ accountability and help law enforcement solve and prevent crimes. As our most cherished institutions continue to be targeted and consumers continue to fear for not only their lives, but their children’s lives, NCL strongly urges Congress to use their power to enact legislation aimed at ending this epidemic.
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
