This collection of seven in-depth Congressional Research Service provides detailed information and analyses on topics including gun control legislation, operations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, gun trafficking, Supreme Court cases, the Armed Career Criminal Act, and statutory disclosure limitations on ATF firearms trace data and multiple handgun sales. There is ongoing congressional interest in and debate on the federal laws and regulations concerning the ownership and possession of firearms. Previous Congresses have increased the penalties associated with committing crimes while possessing a firearm, including imposing mandatory minimum sentences. On the other hand, the regulation of firearm commerce raises a number of questions, including whether restrictions are Constitutionally permissible and whether crime rates can be reduced through additional federal regulations or whether such regulations impinge upon citizens’ rights to self-defense. Salient and recurring gun control issues include (1) overturning restrictions on firearm trace data and multiple sales reports; (2) further regulating private firearm transfers at gun shows; (3) reinstating and possibly expanding the semiautomatic assault weapons ban; and (4) authorizing firearms-related background checks to include a terrorist watch list check.
Date of Compendium: July 21, 2011
Number of Pages: 196
Order Number: IS20282B
Price: $29.95. Subscribers to Congressional Research Report pay $14.97
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