Thompson, Jeffries Recognize 30th Anniversary of Brady Bill
Today, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force ChairRep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) released statements recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act being signed into law.
“30 years ago, President Bill Clinton signed the Brady Bill into law, creating the requirement for background checks on all handgun purchases from federally licensed firearm dealers. Since this law was enacted, it has stopped millions of prohibited purchasers, people who are a danger to themselves or others, from obtaining firearms and has saved lives,” said Thompson. “Now 30 years later, we continue the efforts started by Jim and Sarah Brady to require background checks for all gun sales. House Democrats are leading the way to pass commonsense gun violence prevention measures, like universal background checks, that are overwhelmingly supported by the American people and will help keep Americans safe from people who are a danger to themselves or others.”
"30 years ago today, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act was sent to the President’s desk," said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. "This commonsense legislation has prompted hundreds of millions of background checks and has kept countless weapons out of dangerous hands. Last year we built on the success of the Brady Law by passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. As we celebrate three decades of this landmark legislation, we acknowledge that our work is not done and House Democrats will not rest until we end the scourge of gun violence in our communities once and for all."
“For six long years, Jim and Sarah Brady came to the Capitol – with Jim in his wheelchair personifying the devastation of gun violence – and fought tenaciously through seven votes for the passage of the Brady Bill. In the 30 years since, Brady Background Checks have prevented nearly 4.9 million prohibited gun transactions, saving countless lives. Brady is proud to uphold Jim and Sarah’s legacy and to see their fight carried on by champions like Rep. Mike Thompson and the entire House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of this vital legislation, we call on Congress to honor the Bradys’ life-saving advocacy with action. With modern technologies evolving to circumvent the current federal background check system, Congress must act to bolster the Brady Law. Now more than ever, we need our representatives to commit to defeating our nation’s gun violence epidemic with the same zeal and passion as the Bradys,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady.
Background on the Brady Bill
Jim Brady served as White House Press Secretary under President Ronald Reagan. However, his service was cut short on March 30, 1981, during an assassination attempt against the president. In addition to President Reagan, Jim and two law enforcement officers were shot. Jim suffered a serious head wound that left him partially paralyzed for life.
Jim and his wife, Sarah, began lobbying Congress to pass the “Brady Bill” to require background checks for all gun sales. The original Brady legislation was introduced in 1988. It took six votes over seven years and three presidencies until Sarah, Jim, and their team were able to declare victory.
On November 30, 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Brady Bill into law. Brady Background Checks would now be required on all handgun purchases from federally licensed firearm dealers. Since its enactment in 1994, the Brady Background Check System has blocked approximately 4 million prohibited purchasers from obtaining a firearm.