Local reaction to gun bill passed in U.S. House that ramps up background checks
Feb 28, 2019, 8:20 AM
WASHINGTON DC — One of Utah’s congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives voted for a bill requiring background checks on all gun sales. Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, voted with Democrats for the bill that passed a House vote Wednesday 240-190, mainly along party lines.
“As a gun owner and a supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe that with rights come responsibilities, including keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and domestic abusers,” said McAdams.
The bill that would require background checks on all firearm sales was opposed by Utah’s Republicans, including Representatives Rob Bishop, Chris Stewart and John Curtis. Bishop says the legislation addresses a fabricated threat and makes criminals out of the innocent.
“This equates to nothing more than a false sense of security promoted by those who refuse to address real threats to safety. Congress should turn its attention to finding ways to protect society from criminals,” says Bishop.
The bill also prohibits firearms transfers by a person who is not a licensed dealer. However, it does exclude “gifts to family members and transfers for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense.”
