House Democrats are using their majority in the lower chamber to push their gun control agenda as far as they possibly can.
The latest attack on the Second Amendment comes in the form of H.R., which expands federal background checks to include gun transfers between private citizens. In theory, background checks are a way to prevent convicted criminals from obtaining guns, but realistically they tend to make the process more difficult for responsible gun owners to do the same.
H.R. 8 requires private citizens to conduct a background check when selling a firearm whether to a stranger met online, private transactions at a gun show, or to a friend. The problem is that most people who casually own guns don’t have the resources a dealer has to conduct such a check. The bill doesn’t describe how a person is supposed to perform the background check. Presumably, they would have to go to a local law enforcement agency or perhaps register the sale with the FBI. The concept sounds like the beginning of a gun registry, which is largely opposed by a majority of Americans as it could be the first step towards mass confiscation.
The basic changes the law would make if passed is that it would create an undue burden on the buyer and seller of a gun. Imagine meeting someone at a gun show who is interested in buying an older gun you’ve decided to get rid of. Is there going to be reliable internet access there to conduct the background check? Otherwise, would the two of you have to leave the show to go to the sheriff’s office for a background check? Not many buyers are going to be willing to take such an action when they can make a similar purchase from one of the dealers who are set up to sell firearms while still enjoying the show they wanted to attend.
Fortunately, the law isn’t expected to pass the Republican-led Senate. And although he hasn’t said as much in a formal statement, it’s likely President Donald Trump would veto the bill and there isn’t enough legislative support to override the veto.
However, if it were to pass it would likely prevent gun sales between private citizens. People would either have to sell at a lowball price according to a dealer’s offer, or simply keep old guns instead of replacing them. There is an exemption for family members, but nobody knows if that would remain in place in years to come. Removing such a concept becomes a ridiculous burden as it would prevent people from giving their children their first gun when they come of age, or potentially even giving a brother or sister a gun for their personal use. Yet, with such burdens on law-abiding responsible gun owners, criminals would still make illegal purchases and be better armed than their potential victims.
~ Firearm Daily
