Jacobs says ‘meaningful reforms’ in bipartisan Senate gun safety legislation
The U.S. Senate, in a 64-to-34 vote on Wednesday, reached an agreement on the “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” that would enhance background checks, provide millions to states to implement red-flag laws and direct millions in aid to expand mental health resources in communities and schools.
The vote advances legislation that would toughen penalties for people trying to evade licensing requirements or who make “straw” purchases where they buy and sell weapons to those banned from purchasing handguns.
Congressman Chris Jacobs, R-Orchard Park, is one of the few Republicans in the House who said he favors some gun legislation, including raising the legal age to buy an AR-15 to 21.
He issued this statement on Wednesday:
“The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act represents meaningful reforms that I believe will decrease gun violence and save lives. This bill is thoughtful, balanced, and comprehensive. I will do all I can to advocate for this bill’s passage in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.”
John Katko, a Republican congressman from the Syracuse area, also supports legislation to combat gun violence. He issued this statement:
“Following the recent tragedies in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas, I said that Congress must develop a thoughtful and substantive response. It is my strong belief that this legislation represents a consensus approach to addressing these senseless and depraved acts of violence, and I fully intend to support this measure when it comes to the House floor.
“As co-chair of the bipartisan House Mental Health Caucus, I am pleased that this legislation makes substantive investments in our nation’s mental health system, including policies I have long advocated for to bolster the availability of services in our schools. Additionally, as a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe that this legislation takes important steps to promote public safety, while also safeguarding the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. Specifically, I have consistently called for the protection of due process rights in any federal program that supports state-level extreme risk protection orders, and this legislation takes necessary steps to ensure such safeguards are in place.”
