Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to introduce the Gun Industry Accountability Act of 1999 along with my colleagues, Senators Durbin, Schumer, and…”

“I rise to introduce the Gun Industry Accountability Act of 1999 along with my colleagues, Senators Durbin, Schumer, and Reed of Rhode Island. This legislation is aimed at one purpose: to force the gun industry to market and manufacture their products in a safer and more responsible manner. Mr. President, on Thursday, March 4th I was joined at the announcement of this bill by Mayor Bill Campbell of Atlanta and Mayor Alex Penelas of Miami-Dade County. They represent two of the now five jurisdictions that have filed claims against the gun industry on behalf of the taxpayers of their communities. They seek reimbursement for the massive costs of gun violence within their borders and ultimately, major changes in the way the gun industry sells its lethal products. Mr. President, the gun industry has long placed profits above the safety of society. The industry ignores numerous, patented safety devices for guns--even things as simple as an indicator of whether a gun is loaded. The distributors of firearms also intentionally flood certain markets with guns, knowing that the excess weapons will make their way into a nearby illegal market. The lawsuits by these courageous mayors will likely prove to be the most effective mechanism to get the Industry to alter their deadly practices. The reason is simple: it will bring the gun merchants into line by striking where they are most sensitive--the bottom line.”