Cory Booker Announces Comprehensive Gun Control Plan

Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) on Monday morning introduced a gun-violence plan that centered around a national gun-licensing program.

“My plan to address gun violence is simple—we will make it harder for people who should not have a gun to get one,” Booker said in a statement.

Booker’s plan includes universal background checks, banning assault weapons and closing the loopholes that allow domestic abusers and people on terrorist watch lists to get their hands on guns.

“I am sick and tired of hearing thoughts and prayers for the communities that have been shattered by gun violence—it is time for bold action,” he said.

Under his gun-licensing program, Booker proposes that an individual could apply for a license at a local office, which would include submitting fingerprints, sitting in for an interview and showing the completion of a certified gun-safety course. The FBI would then be in charge of verifying the submitted materials and running a background check before issuing said federal license.

The license is proposed to be valid for up to five years with regular and automatic check-ins to see if the individual is complying with the license terms.

Booker also proposed repealing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a law that protected firearm manufacturers and dealers from liability; requiring handgun micro-stamping to allow law enforcement to identify the source of bullets used in crimes; and closing the “boyfriend loophole,” which allows current or former dating partners to purchase or own a gun even if they are convicted of domestic violence.

The closing of said loophole is part of the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act.

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Booker also said he wants to close close the “Charleston loophole,” which refers to the means by which mass murderer Dylann Roof, who was responsible for the Charleston church shooting in 2015, was able to acquire firearms.

Booker’s proposal also includes banning assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and bumper stocks. He also wants to increase funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), limit gun-buyers to one handgun per months, and get the IRS to conduct an investigation on NRA’s tax status.

Booker is but another Democratic presidential candidate that has taken a strong stance on gun control issues. Previously, Rep. Eric Swalwell and Sen. Kamala Harris have also built their campaigns on stricter gun-control policies.

Article by Alessa Erawan