Legislation would end “Charleston Loophole.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria voted to pass the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 1446), which would close the “Charleston Loophole” that allows sales of firearms to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days.
“After the mass shooting in Virginia Beach on May 31, 2019, the issue of gun violence has become personal for all of us in Coastal Virginia,” said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. “Congress must enact policies that reduce preventable gun violence while protecting the constitutional right for law-abiding Americans to bear arms. This bill will help keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who may cause harm to themselves or others.”
In 2015, the “Charleston Loophole” allowed a gunman to obtain a weapon and murder nine people at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina while they participated in a Bible study. Had the FBI’s background check been completed, the gunman would have been barred from purchasing the firearm he used during the attack.
The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 would extend the initial background check review period from three to ten days. If a background check is not finished after ten days, a purchaser may request an escalated review to spur the FBI to complete its investigation. This would ensure background checks for firearm purchases are completed prior to sales proceed while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun purchasers.
IM>U says
This so-called “Enhanced Backgrand Checks Act” still Begs the Question-just how many more days should a citizen have to wait under this proposed law’s so-called “expedited review”, which comes: 1. only UPON FOLLOW-UP REQUEST by the citizen, and; 2. only after 10 DAYS of governmental INACTION have ALREADY come and gone, …for Big Brother to “allow” her/him legitimate exercise of second amendment rights?
Brian Taylor says
So when a personnel situation arises where a honest need for a firearm is required we are screwed.
How many times has a violent act been carried out that could have been prevented by the possession of a firearm. Facts and feelings is what I see are being debated on gun control. The fact is when I need a gun to protect my loved ones I could care less about others feelings and I would hope others have the same thoughts.
BILLY ADAMS says
I can’t believe just how spineless you are. You voted fro HR1 WHICH IS A DISGRACE. The states should handle their own voting policies. Voted for the covid package in which less than 10% went towards covid. Big bail out for poorly run democratic states. Crisis at the border. Have you been down to the border yet?? Guess pelosi hasn’t given you permission. How’s it feel being a PUPPET? Now you trying to force gun control. Can’t wait for your term to be up. You need to go and take your anti America agenda with you.