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American Morning

Senators Want to Address So-Called Gun Show Loophole

Aired April 24, 2001 - 11:36   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Both houses of Congress, meantime, are back to work in Washington following a two-week recess, and while they prepare to tackle education and other budget issues, one group of senators wants to re-visit the past on guns.

Details on that now coming from Jeanne Meserve, who is standing by in Washington -- Jeanne.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN ANCHOR: Leon, two years after the Columbine shootings and the ensuing legislative rush to tighten gun laws, there remains a so-called loophole in federal law that allows non-licensed dealers to sell firearms at gun shows without conducting background checks. Senator Jack Reed, Democrat from Rhode Island, is trying, again, to change that.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JACK REED (D), RHODE ISLAND: We're not trying to end gun shows; what we're trying to end is the free pass that is given to convicted felons so that they can walk in, find a non-licensed dealer at a gun show and buy a firearm without a Brady background check.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: Reed appeared with Senate supporters and gun control advocates at a news conference this hour to introduce legislation identical to that passed by the Senate two hours a year ago, but defeated in the house. Among its provisions: it would more strictly define a gun shows to include any event at which 50 or more firearms are offered for sale; require promoters to register with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; all sales would go through licensed dealers, thus requiring all buyers to submit to background checks; and dealers would be required information to improve the ability of authorities to trace firearms.

Opposed to the measure, the National Rifle Association. While the NRA says it supports background checks, it says Reed's legislation would place an onerous burden on gun collectors, who could suddenly find their basements defined as gun shows.

As for the bill's chance of passage, Congress-watchers tell us it's not good. While there may be support for the measure in the Senate, Leon, sufficient backing is not expected in the House.

Back to Atlanta.

HARRIS: All right, good deal. Thanks much, Jeanne Meserve reporting live from Washington.

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