HARTFORD – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today announced their support for new bipartisan legislation to combat the practice of straw purchasing and illegal trafficking in firearms. The Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2016 was introduced last week by Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Currently, straw purchasing is not illegal, and it is only unlawful to traffic a firearm if the transferor had knowledge the firearm would be used in connection with a crime. The recent terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California highlighted this gap; the rifles in that shooting were allegedly acquired through a straw purchaser. Firearms trafficking is also an increasingly significant problem in New England, where the surge in opioid abuse has exposed a “guns for drugs” trade.
This bipartisan bill would make clear that the straw purchasing and trafficking of firearms are federal crimes.
“When I explain to people in Connecticut that it’s not a federal crime for shady arms traffickers to buy a dozen semi-automatic rifles and go sell them on the street, they look at me like I’m nuts. I don’t blame them,” said Sen. Murphy. “But what’s truly unbelievable is that Congress knows thousands of illegal guns are spilling out into our streets and does absolutely nothing about it. This bill would allow law enforcement to lock up gun traffickers and keep illegal guns off the streets.”
"Stopping convicted criminals from illegally buying guns means stopping others-- straw purchasers-- from buying guns for them,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Incredibly and unconscionably, no federal law now bars straw purchases, providing a plentiful source of firearms to felons for more violent crime. This measure would stop this deplorable practice so that we can help prevent guns from falling into the hands of dangerous people and keep our communities safe."
The bill does not affect lawful purchases from federal firearms licensees, nor does it prohibit the innocent transfer of a firearm as a gift, or in relation to a legitimate raffle, auction or contest. The measure is supported by numerous law enforcement organizations, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Tactical Officers Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
