Illinois Congresswoman Bustos Votes for Bipartisan Gun Violence Prevention Bill
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a commonsense proposal to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe and reduce the threat of gun violence across our country. The bill passed the Senate this week with support from Democrats and Republicans. Following passage in the House today, the bill heads to President Biden’s desk.
“For too long, mass shootings and rampant gun violence have taken the lives of our children, families and neighbors – and our nation has failed to come together for meaningful action,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Today, we finally passed bipartisan legislation to make our schools and communities safer. While this bill isn’t perfect, it is a step toward ending our gun violence epidemic. Today, let’s pass legislation that will save lives, and tomorrow, let’s get back to work.”
Cheri Bustos
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will:
- Support state crisis intervention orders: The bill creates $750 million for states to create and administer laws that will ensure deadly weapons are kept out of the hands of individuals determined by a court.
- Protect victims of domestic violence by closing the boyfriend loophole: The bill adds convicted domestic violence abusers in dating relationships to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
- Penalize straw purchasing: The bill creates federal straw purchasing and gun trafficking criminal offenses, allowing prosecutors to target dangerous illegal gunrunners.
- Clarify the definition of federally licensed firearms dealers: The bill cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements and clarifies which sellers need to register, conduct background checks, and keep appropriate records.
- Enhance background checks for people under 21: The bill requires an investigative period to review juvenile and mental health records, including checks with state databases and local law enforcement, for buyers under 21 years of age, creating an enhanced, longer background check of up to ten days.
- Combat violence through community initiatives: The bill provides $250 million in funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act also invests in child and family mental health services and increases funding for schools to expand mental health and supportive services.
