Rep. Brown Supports Passage of Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Shontel M. Brown (OH-11) supported passage in the House of Representatives of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The bill, previously passed by the Senate, now heads to the President for his signature.

"A day after the Supreme Court's shocking ruling on gun safety laws, Congress is showing that we can in fact work together across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation that will save lives,” said Rep. Brown. “After thirty years of partisan gridlock, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act represents a historic opportunity to finally address the gun violence epidemic. This bipartisan package would make long overdue progress by strengthening background checks, investing in effective community violence prevention programs, and finally closing the boyfriend loophole.

"Let me be clear: this is a good bill—not a perfect bill. The provisions don’t go nearly as far those recently passed by the House, and I believe there is much more we can do reduce gun violence. However, I firmly believe that we cannot let the perfect prevent the possibility of progress. I will continue to fight for more responsible gun ownership laws, including universal background checks, safe storage laws and other measures supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans." 

Among other provisions, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act would:

• Support state crisis intervention orders;
• Protect victims of domestic violence by closing the boyfriend loophole;
• Create new penalties for straw purchases;
• Crack down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements;
• Strengthen background checks for people under 21 to include review of juvenile and mental health records; and
• Provide funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives.

Rep. Brown previously supported House-passage of the Protecting Our Kids Act, a package of  additional gun safety provisions.