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S. 2577: A bill to establish background check procedures for gun shows

April 9th, 2008, blog post by lysondra

It is important that we tell our representatives what we want, and hold them accountable. One of the best ways to do this is to tell them directly.

The senate is considering a bill that will not only require a background check at gun shows, but also guidelines for implementation. To read the bill click here.

Please contact your representative and let them know that you support common-sense solutions to firearm violence and that this bill will protect our communities.

Here is a template to help you get started:

Dear Senator Cantwell/Murray,

As a resident of Washington State I implore you to support Senator Lautenberg's legislation S.2577 to close the gun show loophole so that criminals and other dangerous people cannot purchase firearms without a background check. Background checks have kept guns out of the hands of many criminals and people unable to handle the responsibility of a deadly weapon. Almost 1.5 million prohibited purchasers have been denied at the point of sale since 1994. In 2006, 1.6% of the 8.6 million applications for firearm transfers or permits were denied by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (69,930) or by state and local agencies (64,512).

It is a travesty that terrorists, criminals, and other people prohibited from purchasing or possessing guns seek out these events to exploit the weaknesses in our gun regulations. With our current laws, a person who is unable to purchase a gun from a licensed dealer can attend a gun show and walk away with a deadly weapon.

In Washington State there are monthly gun shows; by not closing the gun show loophole you are leaving our communities open to violence. Please support S.2577. It is important for our communities, children and future.

Thank you,

Name
City, State