Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr, letter to Mr. P., May 30 2000

ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. COMMERCE COMMITTEE ASSISTANT DEPUTY MAJORITY WHIP Congress of tfje Untteb States* l)ouSe of Eepresentatibeg 2$Iasf)inaton, SC 205t5-2002 May 30, 2000 Dundalk, MD 21222 Thank you for contacting me regarding federal gun control legislation in the House of Representatives. I appreciate learning of your viewpoint on this important issue, and offer the following comprehensive response to one or more of the gun control initiatives included in your contact with my office. I support the right of law abiding citizens to possess guns for a variety reasons, not the least of which is self defense. This view derives from my observation that many gun control initiatives have proven a failure in reducing crime. For example, in the case of the Colorado school shootings, the two criminals responsible for the carnage broke nineteen state and federal laws in the preparation and commission of their crimes. I. General Background Some of my constituents have written about gun control proposals which seek to restrict gun owners to purchasing one gun a month and a minimum three day waiting period. Previously, waiting periods were necessary in order to allow for background checks to be completed. The passage of the Brady Bill in 1 994 brought new computerized national and local criminal arrest records. The criminal background of a potential gun purchaser can now be verified in a matter of minutes through the National Instant Check System (NICS). I believe a comprehensive background investigation as initiated through the NICS is a reasonable check on gun ownership rights. As enumerated below, I support a number of proposals brought to the floor of the House during the 106th Congress. For instance, I do not believe juveniles convicted of serious violent crimes should be allowed to acquire guns even after they turn twenty-one years of age. I support the imposition of harsh penalties for adults who provide guns to a juvenile with the knowledge the weapon will be used in a crime. I support programs which trace the source of firearms used in the commission of a crime. Convicted felons found in possession of any gun should be punished severely, with mandatory minimum sentences that are not plea bargained away. Further, I welcome positive initiatives that: