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U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis, Bill Pascrell, Jr., Brad Schneider, Earl Blumenauer, Gwen Moore, and Dwight Evans recently introduced The Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act.
This proposed legislation is designed to guarantee annual funding for “gun violence prevention.”
However, the bill’s approach, which involves raising federal excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, has drawn criticism from industry representatives.
The Act seeks to close a putative taxation “loophole” by including “assault-weapon” frames and receivers, which are not taxed if sold separately.
The increased revenue, estimated to be between $20 and $36 million, would be directed toward four programs:
- Community-based violence prevention grants
- Gun violence research
- Hate crime prevention and enforcement
- Forensic examiner training.
Larry Keane, the Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs and General Counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), criticized the proposed legislation.
He points out that the firearms and ammunition industry already contributes a 10-11% excise tax to fund wildlife conservation.
Keane argues that the proposed tax increase would burden law-abiding gun purchasers without effectively holding criminals accountable for their crimes.
“There are better things to do with taxpayer dollars and time,” Keane asserts. “Introducing do-nothing bills is the antithesis of ‘doing something.’ These Members of Congress should be focused on holding criminals accountable instead of chasing headlines.”
Despite the criticism, the bill’s proponents, which include anti-gun organizations like Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and the Violence Policy Center, maintain the necessity of the Act.
John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, praised the representatives for sponsoring the tax policy update, stating, “Investing tax dollars from gun sales in life-saving gun violence prevention measures is a common-sense way to keep our communities safe.”
The proposed legislation, which promises to create annual funding certainty for the aforementioned programs, awaits further deliberation in Congress.
Stay tuned for updates.
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“Investing tax dollars from gun sales in life-saving gun violence prevention measures is a common-sense way to keep our communities safe.”
Why is it that whenever the left preaches about ‘common sense’ anything there’s absolutely no common sense involved?!? I’m to the point that as soon as I hear ‘common sense’ anything I stop listening because you can almost guarantee there’s going to be some absolute stupidity to follow…
And if everything goes according to plan, that estimated $20 – $36 Million pot will likely be distributed to Representative’s Goombas who – can you believe it? – are ‘gun violence’ researchers. At least 10% has to be skimmed..20% if no one is watching. ‘Gun violence’ may well have multiple drivers, but unfinished lowers ain’t one of them.
It’s like placing a new tax on condoms and birth control pills in order to reduce rape.
translation: take money from the law abiding and give it to the criminals!