Chairman Thompson Denounces Passage of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act

Washington, DC – Today, Chairman of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Mike Thompson (CA-05) issued this statement following House passage of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017:

"Today, just weeks after two of the deadliest mass shootings in modern American history, the House passed legislation that could exacerbate the gun violence epidemic in our country.

"Instead of taking action to help protect Americans from gun violence, the House passed a bill that would force states to recognize other states' concealed carry laws, even those 12 states that don't have any permitting requirements. Currently, 30 states and the District of Columbia deny permits to people convicted of certain violent crimes. This bill would allow these criminals to carry concealed firearms in those states.

"This is a disgrace. And it's not what an overwhelming majority of Americans want.

"For years, I have called on House Republican Leadership to simply hold a vote on various commonsense gun violence prevention legislation—like expanded background checks or banning bump stocks. And for years, they have refused.

"It is shameful that the only legislation they will take up on this issue is a bill that makes American communities less safe.

"As Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, as a gun owner, and as a father and grandfather, I will continue to do everything I can to advance the commonsense gun policies that will help keep our families and communities safe."

H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Act of 2017, passed the House today in a 231-198 vote. This legislation would force states to recognize other states' legal standards for allowing residents to carry a concealed and loaded firearm. In 12 states, individuals currently only need to own a firearm to be eligible to concealed carry—no additional screening or permits are required. Under this bill, individuals from those states would now be able to legally carry a concealed firearm in every other state, even those that have additional screening or permitting requirements for their own residents. Additionally, 30 states and the District of the Columbia have laws preventing individuals convicted of certain violent crimes from being issued a concealed carry permit. Under this bill, individuals convicted of these crimes in any other state would now be able to concealed carry in those 30 states and DC.

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