Press Releases

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after opposing H.R. 8, legislation to outlaw private gun sales throughout the country:

“I’ve consistently supported meaningful solutions that seek to reduce gun violence. This includes legislation that strengthens the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, as well as efforts to improve school security in Arkansas. Additionally, this week I cosponsored the Mass Violence Prevention Act which would allow law enforcement to share information more efficiently, and respond quicker to potential threats. However, the gun control bill we voted on today is nothing more than ‘feel-good’ legislation that does not keep guns out of the hands of criminals, and leaves Arkansans less free.

“Saving lives requires addressing the root problem of gun violence, including a lack of mental health resources, and tools to identify individuals who are a danger to themselves and others. Congress must build on successful legislative efforts that gives law enforcement the ability to better identify mental illness. I am committed to working with my colleagues to find practical solutions that curb gun violence; however, I cannot support policies that infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.”


Background:

This week, Rep. Hill signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 1339, the Mass Violence Prevention (MVP) Act introduced by Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA). This legislation would create a fusion center at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to help local, state, and federal law enforcement share and process intelligence, so they can swiftly and appropriately respond to potential instances of mass violence.

The Fix NICS Act, signed into law in December of 2017, addresses the shortcomings of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This legislation makes it mandatory for all federal agencies to report criminal convictions to the Attorney General, so those convictions are put into the background check system.

 The STOP School Violence Act, passed in the House in 2018, authorizes $50 million for grants administered by the Department of Justice to fund training and other initiatives to enhance school safety, and $25 million annually for physical school improvements.