GIFFORDS Responds to Republican Push to End the Undetectable Firearms Act
Washington DC — GIFFORDS, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released a statement following Republican-led efforts to remove reauthorization of the Undetectable Firearms Act from the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):
Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government and Political Affairs, GIFFORDS:
“House Republicans are secretly working to legalize plastic firearms that can evade detection at schools, airports, concerts or sporting events. This could lead to a world where hidden guns can easily be snuck past metal detectors and wands, making it harder to protect communities from gun violence. Speaker Johnson and Armed Services Republicans know this, but yet again, they’ve proven that their loyalty to the gun lobby outweighs keeping Americans safe.
“The Undetectable Firearms Act has enjoyed broad bipartisan support for 35 years because it is commonsense legislation that works. Democrats and reasonable Republicans must not allow radicals in Congress to put lives at risk while lining the pockets of the gun industry.”
In July, the Senate passed, by a vote of 86-11, its version of the NDAA, which included a provision permanently reauthorizing the Undetectable Firearms Act. The House NDAA did not include this same reauthorization provision. However, during negotiations to reconcile the House and Senate versions, the reauthorization of the Undetectable Firearms Act was removed.
Under the Undetectable Firearms Act, every gun, including those created by a 3D printer, is required to include 3.7 ounces of metal which is enough to set off walk-through metal detectors and wands like those found at airports, federal courthouses, government buildings, and event venues. The law has previously been reauthorized in 1998, 2003, and 2013 with bipartisan support. Reauthorization would continue to provide a deterrent to those who wish to circumvent security screenings and cause harm.
MEDIA REQUESTS
Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at media@giffords.org.
Contact