WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom MacArthur (R, NJ-03) is co-sponsoring a batch of school safety-themed bills in the wake of this month’s Parkland shooting.
Strengthened background checks is the linchpin for each measure.
The list courtesy of MacArthur’s office:
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The “Fix NICS Act,” would require all Federal agencies and States to produce NICS implementation plans focused on uploading accurate, required information to the background check system.
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The “NICS Denial Notification Act,” would require the U.S. Department of Justice to notify State and local law enforcement agencies if a prohibited person attempts to purchase a firearm in their jurisdiction.
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The “School Safety Act,” which would reauthorize and expand the Secure Our Schools program administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).
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The “Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act,” would reauthorize and fully fund the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
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The “Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act,” would increase penalties on those who burglarize or rob a Federal Firearms Licensee (gun store).
“It’s time to find real solutions that will protect our communities and our children,” said MacArthur in a statement. “That’s why I’m cosponsoring this group of bipartisan bills that will strengthen background checks across the country and fund vital programs that keep our neighborhoods and schools safe. We all must come together and take real action to protect our communities.”
MacArthur joined 17 other Republican lawmakers, including all five members of the N.J. GOP delegation, in a letter addressed to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan in support of the NICS-focused H.R. 4477.
“Background checks are the first line of defense in law enforcement’s efforts to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, domestic abusers and those deemed dangerously mentally ill. Congress should immediately take up and pass the bipartisan and bicameral Fix NICS Act to close the system’s loopholes to strengthen our Nation’s background check system and make our country safer from gun violence,” said Congressman Leonard Lance (R, NJ-07) in his own statement earlier this week.
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