Kennedy, Becerra Introduce Gun Microstamping Legislation

February 7, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Congressman Xavier Becerra introduced the National Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007. The measure is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Feinstein, Menendez, Lautenberg, Durbin, Schumer and Reed.

The bill amends the current law by prohibiting licensed federal firearms dealers from manufacturing, importing, or transferring certain semi-automatic pistols that are not capable of micro-stamping ammunition. Micro-stamping ammunition is an important and effective method of tracing guns, and provides law enforcement with a much-needed resource in solving crimes.

The legislation is supported by the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Honorable Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, the Boston Police Department, and the Honorable Gregory Nickles, Mayor of Seattle.

In Boston, Mayor Menino has worked hard to identify every tool and resource available to use in the fight against gun violence. He has filed similar legislation with the Massachusetts General Court to require guns sold in the Commonwealth to be equipped with microstamping technology.

Senator Kennedy said, “Congress should be quick to support emerging technologies that enable law enforcement to make more effective use of evidence at crime scenes. We have a clear responsibility to do all we can to supply police officers and investigators with the most technologically advanced means to solve these horrific crimes. Gun violence is a serious threat to public safety in every community in America. We have an opportunity with this legislation to show that we value the lives of every citizen and will use the best technology available to stop the violence.”

“Gun microstamping is a simple and effective technology that promises to save lives and keep violent criminals off the streets,” Rep. Becerra said. “It is inexpensive for gun manufacturers to implement, does not infringe on personal gun ownership rights, and provides a powerful investigative tool to our law enforcement officers. I look forward to working with my dear friend, Senator Kennedy, to get this common-sense legislation enacted into law.”

Mayor Menino said, "In Boston, we are working hard to identify every tool and resource available to use in our fight against gun violence. Micro-stamping will clearly define where illegal guns are coming from -- allowing us to be more effective in our efforts to get illegal guns off the street and shut down illegal gun dealers. We applaud Senator Kennedy's leadership on this issue and hope the Congress moves forward with its passage quickly."

Source: Senator Edward M. Kennedy