Pelosi Statement on President Bush Signing Bipartisan Legislation Improving Gun Background Check System

January 8, 2008
Press Release
Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this evening after President Bush signed H.R. 2640, the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS) Improvement Amendments Act of 2007:

'As the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech demonstrated last spring, serious gaps exist in the transmittal of background check records, thereby allowing thousands of people who are barred from buying guns to escape proper background checks.

'Thanks to the determined leadership of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and Senator Chuck Schumer, Congress passed this essential gun safety measure with strong bipartisan support.

'The bill the President signed today will improve the gun buyer background check system and help make our nation safer.  It authorizes funding and provides practical steps to encourage states to provide timely and accurate information on individuals who are barred under current law from acquiring guns.'