Ted Budd: “reserving the right to object, I oppose S. 1819 because it is a solution in search of a problem. First and foremost…”

“reserving the right to object, I oppose S. 1819 because it is a solution in search of a problem. First and foremost, people have made their own firearms since before America's founding. This is not a new issue in need of emergency legislation. Second, firearms manufacturing is already very highly regulated. For example, the 1988 Undetectable Firearms Act made it unlawful to manufacture, import, sell, ship, deliver, possess, transport, or receive a firearm that cannot be detected by a conventional metal detector. And even if someone violates this law using 3D technology, metal ammunition cartridges and the bullets themselves would still be detectible. Third, 3D printing of firearms is an extremely technical process that requires high-level technology and an extensive time commitment, not to mention an extreme financial cost. Simply put, 3D manufacturing of firearms would be an entirely ineffective way for a criminal to obtain a firearm. Fourth, this bill would be an unconstitutional infringement on the First Amendment speech rights of law-abiding hobbyists and firearms enthusiasts who simply want to share specifications about unique or antique firearms. At the end of the day, we don't have a device problem; we have got a people problem. And this bill represents another attempt by some to use fear and misunderstanding to layer more Federal regulations on an already highly regulated industry.…”