In a bid to bolster gun safety measures, Senator Dianne Feinstein and Representative Jimmy Panetta, both Democrats from California, have introduced the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act. This new bill aims to address a major flaw in the current system, where the FBI is unable to finalize background checks within an 88-day timeframe, leading to the purging of all related records. As a consequence, individuals with incomplete background checks may retain possession of firearms, posing a risk to public safety.
With the surge in gun sales in recent years, the burden on the overburdened system has grown exponentially, prompting the urgent need for reform. The proposed legislation not only removes the 88-day time limit but also mandates the FBI to search specific databases during the background check process, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation of each buyer’s eligibility to purchase firearms.
Senator Feinstein emphasized the importance of completing background checks for every sale, stressing that this measure will help prevent dangerous individuals from acquiring guns unlawfully. Representative Panetta echoed this sentiment, highlighting the impact of time limits on background checks in preventing law enforcement from effectively curbing firearms falling into the wrong hands.
Joining the cause, Senators Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Bob Menendez, Chris Murphy, Alex Padilla, and Sheldon Whitehouse have cosponsored the bill, further underscoring its significance in strengthening gun safety laws and protecting communities.
The data compiled by NBC News revealed that between January 2020 and November 2021, the FBI was forced to purge over 734,604 incomplete background checks due to the current law. Everytown for Gun Safety estimates that around 7,500 guns may have been illegally obtained in 2020 as a result of delayed background checks, surpassing the numbers of the previous two years combined.
As the need for more comprehensive gun safety measures becomes evident, the passage of the NICS Data Integrity Act promises to be a critical step forward in safeguarding lives and addressing the gun violence epidemic in America. In this effort, the support and contributions of concerned citizens will play a vital role in shaping a safer future for our communities. Stand with Food For Every Child today and make a difference by supporting this essential legislation. Together, we can work towards a safer, more secure America for all.