Issue Position: Gun Safety

Issue Position

As a former officer in the U.S. Army, Senator Reed has great respect for firearms and responsible gun ownership.

Reed believes we can, and must, do more to reduce gun-related crimes in America. Senator Reed has authored legislation to prevent potentially dangerous people, such as convicted felons or individuals with a history of severe mental instability, from purchasing firearms.

To address the threat of terrorists buying firearms, he cosponsored the Preserving Records of Terrorist & Criminal Transactions (PROTECT) Act to give the FBI the authority to effectively track gun purchases by terror suspects.

Key Priorities & Accomplishments

Reed voted to ban assault weapons and authored an amendment with Senator John McCain of Arizona to close loopholes that allow terrorists and criminals to buy firearms at gun shows without the same type of background checks required when guns are purchased from a licensed dealer.
Secured $1 million for the Providence Police Department's Gun Violence and Gang Reduction Initiative to expand intervention efforts that specifically address gun-related violence and gang activity occurring in the city.
When the Senate considered legislation offering the gun industry immunity from lawsuits, Senator Reed spoke out on behalf of the victims of gun violence. He believes it is wrong for them to be denied their day in court.
Reed joined Senator Lautenberg in introducing the Gun Show Background Check Act. This legislation, which is strongly support by law enforcement officers, would close the gun show loophole that is responsible for so much needless tragedy by requiring background checks on sales at gun shows.

Source