Violence Policy Center (VPC) Statement on U.S. House Passage of Bill Protecting the Unregulated Gun Industry

Following today's passage of legislation (S. 397) shielding the gun industry from certain types of civil liability, Violence Policy Center Legislative Director Kristen Rand released the following statement:

This bill is built on a corrupt foundation of lies that will leave a legacy of pain and suffering. Proponents lie when they claim the gun industry is the most heavily regulated industry in America when, in fact, they are one of only two industries the other being the tobacco industry exempt from federal health and safety regulation. Now the unregulated gun industry will also enjoy protection from legitimate lawsuits by individuals like victims of the Washington, DC-area snipers injured by the reckless and negligent actions of gun manufacturers and dealers. This legislation will make the unregulated gun industry the most pampered industry in America.

The bill was not as bad as the gun lobby wanted it to be, however. The bill passed by the House last Congress did not contain the gun control measures included in S. 397: a requirement that gun dealers provide a child safety lock when they sell a handgun; and, a provision requiring a study that may ultimately lead to a strengthening and expansion of the federal ban on armor-piercing ammunition.

The same bill passed the Senate in July and will now go to the President's desk for signature.

The Violence Policy Center is a national educational organization working to stop gun death and injury in America.

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