On the recordMay 29, 2014
My amendment strikes section 539 of the bill. Section 539 is an unnecessary and harmful gun rider that would bar the ATF from using any funds to investigate straw purchases or trafficking of certain highly dangerous weapons. This ``long gun'' requirement, which has been in effect since 2011, is an essential tool for law enforcement to combat drug cartels and weapons trafficking. In fact, in the first 8 months after the rule was enacted, more than 100 criminals and traffickers were identified for prosecution. Mr. Chairman, it is clear that the reporting requirement is keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, and the ATF must be able to continue to do this important work. I thank my colleagues who are in support of our gun violence prevention efforts, today and every day. I reserve the balance of my time.
