Washington, D.C., November 14, 2019 – Today, Brady welcomed the first semiannual report on the Fix NICS Act, while calling on the Trump administration to build upon this progress and advocate for a universal background check system to keep guns out of the hands of individuals deemed dangerous or who should not possess a gun.Brady President Kris Brown stated:“Today’s report on the Fix NICS Act is a welcome update, showing marked progress in increasing collaboration and information sharing between the military, states, agencies and the federal government – but it’s not enough. Fix NICS was intended to improve key areas of the background check system and ensure that it functions as intended. The progress shared today is a step toward the original intent of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), but also underscores the need for comprehensive, federal action to pass universal background checks to expand this work. The administration notes that NICS is “critical” to keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. We agree. A well functioning background check system is essential to protect the public safety. And to ensure that robust system, the Senate must pass HR 8, to expand Brady background checks to all gun sales. We look forward to the Trump administration advocating for expanded Brady background checks if they really support comprehensive action like Fix NICS.”The Fix NICS Act was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in response to the 2017 shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, that killed 26 congregants at the First Baptist Church and injured 20 others. The law was intended to strengthen the reporting of prohibited purchasers, including domestic abusers, by state and federal agencies into the federal background check system (NICS).Brown concluded:“In 2017, we called Fix NICS “a small but positive step.” Today’s report shows how small, though important, that step is. It’s time to take the next step and pass universal background checks.”
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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