Several Democrats in the U.S. Senate last week introduced legislation that would force gun owners to obtain a license from the Department of Justice (DOJ) in order to purchase or receive a firearm.
Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced what’s called the “Federal Firearm Licensing Act.”
In order to procure a federal firearm license, the prospective buyer would need to satisfy the following mandates:
- Certification that the individual completed firearm safety training, which must include a written test and hands-on training to ensure safe use and accuracy.
- Completion of a criminal history background check.
- Submission of fingerprints, proof of identity, and verification that the individual is at least 21-years-old.
Each license would be valid for five years and only good for the purchase of a single firearm “which shall be purchased not later than 30 days after the date on which the license is issued.”
When the license expires, gun owners would need to get another training certificate and pass a background check, again.
The DOJ could revoke a license if it suspects a person is a danger to themselves or others. The agency would also empower the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to regularly monitor and audit gun owners to ensure that they are in compliance with the law.
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“This bill moves us in the right direction and is based on a simple concept – if you need a license to drive a car, you should need one to buy and possess a gun,” said Sen. Booker.
“Firearm licensing laws have broad public support and have been shown to reduce gun violence in states that have enacted them, including in my home state of New Jersey,” he added.
Alan Gottlieb, the founder of the Second Amendment Foundation, pointed out to GunsAmerica via email that the bill would also require universal gun registration.
“This ‘Federal Firearm Licensing Act’ scheme would literally force you to beg the Attorney General every time you exercise your Second Amendment Rights and try to purchase a firearm. And as part of this licensing process, you would also be required to register your gun with the federal government,” he explained.
“And it is not only licensing and registration. That’s because you could be denied a license on the grounds that you recently bought a firearm or ammunition. Even worse, if you’re deemed a ‘threat’ and we’re sure the AG would love to declare buying too many guns a threat, your license could be revoked,” Gottlieb added.
It’s not exactly clear at this point how much money a federal gun license would cost.
With the Senate’s 50-50 split, the chances of this bill becoming law are low. That said, it’s something to keep an eye on and it underscores just how extreme the Dems have become when it comes to chilling the 2A rights of law-abiding citizens.
There was a time, not too long ago, when Democratic candidates would publicly tout their 2A bonafides. Remember when Hillary Clinton talked about duck hunting with her father in Arkansas? Or when Obama was skeet shooting at Camp David?
Democrats, by and large, have given up all appearances that they care about one’s right to keep and bear arms. in 2022, they are firmly and unabashedly committed to disarming America.
What part of “shall not be infringed” is so hard for Democrats to understand?
The same thing that the NRAers don’t understand about “A well regulated Militia,”
Um 2nd Amendment is a right and freedom of the people aka civilians. We The People form the militia. Well regulated means in good working order, organized, well trained, etc. It DOES NOT mean government regulated. 2nd Amendment restricts government.
Back in, like the mid ’60’s, there was a magazine, mechanics illustrated comes to mind, ( but mighta been pop mech) had a bit of fiction about a guy trying to buy a car, and seeing only a few cars on the street that day. The dealer explained it was the new law, and began grilling him on, why do you need a car, how are you going to use it, do you have your character references and the permission of your local police or sherriff, et.c., just like they did and still do in some places to buy a handgun, let alone carry it. Critical and cynical in overtone, but written without undue preaching or bloviating. A real eye-opener! And it was old when I read it!
stand in the hall for 45 mins and do nothing WTF ID SAY DO WHAT YOU WAS TRAINED TO DO now i think they should be trained to make plates for cars and no pensions. chickenshits
screw that,they are out of there minds
Other thoughts…
1) Will a federal license allow us to carry in every state… like a driver’s licence allows us to drive anywhere?
2) While there is a general consensus on more thorough screening on FFL firearms purchases Booker’s proposed law adds some really dumb conditions and restrictions on firearm ownership by law abiding citizens.
3) Booker is really getting stupider.
Ok how about if you want to vote in this country you need a valid ID that is only obtained from a state office. You would need to pass a background check and written test that proves you are a legal citizen who understands the constitution. Each license would be valid for eight years and would have to be presented for any election. What’s the matter Dim wit craps? Does that sound like infringement?
This from the same government that has been closing Gun Stores destroying peoples business and lives. They will just take your license just like they took the gun store’s license’s away.
The fact that there are communists in our government who actually think like this is as good a reason to go out and buy another gun.
Obviously this isn’t gonna pass and no one would comply with it anyway. But it DOES show the evil intent of those buying into this crap. Not only is it unconstitutional but also would be wholly ineffective in reducing crime; it just strips the average person from the RKBA. So I guess we should be grateful in that the communists are ‘outing’ themselves during this time of sorrow.
As far as the miscreant demagogues signing their names to this obviously it becomes ‘Moon Labe’, and to them the standard NFW — GFY is the most appropriate way to respond. And perhaps a FJB in there for good measure.
Booker or any politician in fact is qualified or smart enough to decide if I need or want any firearm. Politicians nor police protect me. I benefit in that cops are out and about but they are not protecting me. Booker needs to do what politicians do, work at getting re-elected.
What is it about RIGHT that this moron doesn’t understand? When you swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution against ALL enemies Foreign and DOMESTIC, I guess that now means against DEMOCRATS who don’t seem to understand the CONSTITUTION! It’s the Bill Of RIGHTS not permissions!
Ill never abide by anything that walleyed idiot booker says and the fake combat vet bluemanthal can kiss my American ass!
Ill never abide by anything that walleyed idiot booker says and the fake combat vet bluemanthal can kiss my American ass!
OK…as long as we can now buy suppressors AND full-auto with no wait and no tax stamps…agreed?
To hell with that criminals won’t abide with that BS . Kiss my xxx
What if one already owns a sufficient amount of firearms ( at least what
the wife agrees to be “ sufficient “ ) , will those weapons require said license
to own / maintain ?
Does “ Spartacus “ have an answer for that ?
Well , I have something the Maoists can kiss ………and it’s not my sister !
“This bill moves us in the right direction and is based on a simple concept – if you need a license to drive a car, you should need one to buy and possess a gun,” said Sen. Booker.
Driving a car is a privilege. Owning a gun is a God given right in the United States.
Deal with the root cause of the POS’s hitting soft targets by using the taxes of people like Musk, Bezos, etc. to pay for it. They aren’t paying taxes now, so make them pay and use that money to protect schools, churches, etc. and fund mental health services while you’re at it.
DOA… dead on arrival. Its a ridiculously burdensome bill that would infringe greatly on the already declared constitutional right of individuals to keep and bear arms.
Another foolish feel good bill to appease the anti gun electorate.
Besides looking at who’s sponsoring this DOA bill, which tells you all you need to know before reading it, it would be contrary to existing law. There is already some licensing at the state level, but the Progressive-Socialists want complete Federal control. Why? You should know the answer by now.
Yeah, put the DOJ in charge of arbitrarily issuing gun licenses & purchase permits. That’s the same DOJ that wants the FBI to prosecute soccer moms for objecting to their kids being indoctrinated with Leftist garbage.
And you gotta know that purchase permits will be Denied for any firearm that they decide is “too dangerous” for the public to own. That would include any that would take a mag over 10rds, be chambered in an “overly powerful” caliber, or have certain cosmetic features that are “scary.” See Sen. Feinstein’s list from the past of 200+ common guns the P-S’s wanted to outright ban to get just a starting point.
Imagine having to buy a car within 30 days of receiving your license – and having to re-apply for another license every time you buy a different car. You can only buy one car with each license. So the “gun license is just like a car license” argument is a red herring. I’m starting to respect Michael Moore for not hiding in the bushes like these guys. He comes right out and calls for the abolition of the Second Amendment. That’s OK, that is a legit move. Now he just has to follow the procedure like they did with the Twenty-First Amendment. Guys like him usually think their ideas are too important to get bogged down with having to follow the Constitution. So no corner cutting Michael, OK?
Driving is a PRIVILEGE, owning a firearm is a RIGHT. A privilege can be taken away, a right CANNOT be taken away. What part of CANNOT do they not understand? I guess all of it because it gets in their way of trying to control us. WE need more control over THEM. Vote in candidates that will protect OUR constitutional RIGHTS.
Really? What about imprisonment for a felony? The bottom line is we need to do a better job at keeping guns out of the hands of those who ontens to do harm. It seems like so many nitjobs on here could care less if children are mowed down in their schools. Anybody with a brain and a conscience would agree to common sense gun laws to control who can get guns. Bans are stupid, but in the face of nothing they will continue to threaten 2a rights.
I would like to see a federal carry license since may states aren’t recognizing other’s states issued licenses. But one that would prevent criminals, people who could be danger to themselves or others and allows good abiding citizens to carry/own firearms and sound suppressors.
I think there is no middle on this issue because the subject became very political instead of proposing common sense solutions.
Definitely I believe the firearms system is is broken when kids are killed senselessly and we need to do something about it to minimize the risk of happening again.
Did you even bother to read this article? And if you did, did you understand any of it? Doesn’t appear so.
Your federal carry permit proposal would encompass Exactly the same elements as this bill includes. NO!
Your use of the phrase “common sense solutions” is the darling catch-all mantra of the Left whenever they want more draconian “gun safety” laws enacted. Sounds like you might be one of them.
Finally, you say the “firearms system is broken.” WTH does that even mean??!! You go on to use another catch-phrase of the gun-banning Leftists…. “we need to do something about it.”
Doesn’t sound to me like you should be posting on a pro-2nd A. site like this.
Stan I understand what he is saying and I am Progun/Pro 2nd. What he is saying is there should be a permit from the Federal Government and not from each state that would allowed you to carry your gun on you. I can not drive from state to state with a concealed gun without breaking the law.
The Firearms system is broke, PERIOD. Why can we not own fullauto in every state and modern production guns instead of pre 86? Why are certain guns not allowed for import? What does the ATF real check for when your gun dealer calls? I dont trust the ATF or Government to make a good decision on why I can own a gun and why some cant.
There needs to be an age requirement for certain firearm purchases because kids today arent what they were 30 years ago. I know the next guy is going to say wait they serve in the military and can use M4 rifles. In the military they are train, supervised and if they were not a man walking in they will be one when they leave with more common sense than they had going in.
So Stan think a little before posting because not everyone stays on topic or has degree in writing.
Remember the men that served today and died for this country.
Our founding fathers and previous generation are looking down and seeing us rip this country apart faster than it took to build it,
“if you need a license to drive a car, you should need one to buy and possess a gun,”
Driving a car is a privilege, not a right. Privileges are granted. Rights are mandated.
Driving is a privilege and can be taken away! Owning a firearm is a right and cannot be taken away!
A drivers license is all about the money just as a permit to own guns would be the same. Any time something has to be renewed ever 5 years it is about money. So driving is not a privilege just like owning a horse was not a privilege 200 years ago for transportation from one point to another.
Total harassment. How about doing the following:
1. Go along with mandatory gun safety classes for all school kids in the 8th grade. Take them to the range and have them fire a .22 rim fire bolt action rifle.
2. Have Nation wide gun laws. intense and meaningful universal criminal background check. If you lie on the application you go to jail for 5 years.
3. No more privacy regarding medical health and behavior problems. If you are a troubled person, a social or disturbed person that must be duly noted on the background check tied to your social security number. If police and authority figures like teachers tag a person as something to be concerned with and five different people note that to police then that persons social security number pops up on a police blotter that they go to during a NICS background check.
4. If you wish to carry a fire arm for self defense, you must pass a universal concealed carry course where you demonstrate safe gun handling and ability to accurately hit a six inch target at 50 feet, put 3 out of 6 shots into the 6″ square bulls eye on a white background. Anyone wanting to carry a gun must be very familiar and effective with it. All concealed carry permits must be universally respected by all states and local jurisdictions. Criminals and evil people riding on public transport have every right to expect that there may be several armed people in any group to kill them if they try to threaten, rob or kill them. Just like bold criminals who break into homes. They really should expect to be killed.
5. All political office holders must recognize the Constitution and respect the 2nd Amendment and not harrass good citizens with useless infringements and bothersome rules. They also must be held responsible for releasing criminals, and not enforcing security at borders, and especially people who threaten people with deadly weapons. You better be tough on criminals or you go live with them in jail. Figure it out. Law makers are responsible for making sure people follow the law and do not infringe on the good people of the society.
5.
Nothing like watching the liberals try to turn the Constitution into toilet paper. According to the 2nd paragraph in the Declaration of Independence this government has failed and needs replaced with a government that will faithfully uphold the Constitution.
Imagine the liberals screaming if those same requirements they want to use to surcomvent the 2nd amendment were necessary to vote.
When you look at the world after a year and a half of idiot rule just imagine if they had control of all the guns. Founders had a good reason for the second amendment.
if you need a license to drive a car, you should need one to buy and possess a gun,” said Sen. Booker. Great idea moron. Maybe you should have to get a background check to buy a car too!
What we really need is a Fitness Test before any candidate for public office would be allowed to run. They have/want such tests for purchase & carry permits for guns, also for military service. So, why not for such a position in govt. that can have huge consequences? An independent board would review information about each candidate to include criminal records, indications of corruption, and a psychological exam. Failure to pass the Test would immediately end their candidacy now and forever.
If this had been in place already, we wouldn’t have had to suffer the likes of an Alcee Hastings, Bob Mendez, and others, holding high federal office.
The biggest problem isn’t just school security. It is the people lazy attitude about people with mental problems, parents saying “NO” to there children, parents in denial,” my kid wouldn’t do that”,on and on. Step up and be a parent!.
They need to focus on the security at our schools everywhere. Not worry about taking law-abiding citizens rights away from them. This Bill is horrific! It will most likely never pass, as we here in MA already have to get an LTC which allows us to carry and purchase firearms. So we would have to do it twice? Or anytime we want to purchase a new firearm? I think they are looking to point blame here rather than look at the real problem. Its the security measures that are taken on our school properties. This is what they need to focus their energy on. Security at schools! I work in armed security and have for many years. I would jump at the chance to provide security at one of my local schools. Especially if it’s one of my kid’s schools. I would guard these kids with my own life and I wouldn’t think twice about it. I can’t speak for all but Ill go out on a limb here and say anyone I know working in the same field would do the same. At least the guys I know and work with would. The gun did not shoot these kids on its own. The SHOOTER did. Would you ban car purchases because someone made an awful decision and drove drunk and life was lost? I doubt it very highly. All these moron politicians need to look at the security provided at the schools. Not the rifle. What happened in TX is a horrific nightmare. I can’t even imagine what those people are going through right now. My heart bleeds for every one of them. This is a security issue. The politicians need to first recognize that, then they can move on to fixing the problem. They’re doing nothing about the real problem at all. Bad guys will ALWAYS get guns no matter what type of bill you bring to the table. They will not be able to change that, ever. What they need to do is be able to deter these bad guys from going to school’s. Present a security plan and go forward with it. Do not wait either. Start this today. If they keep wasting time on taking our constitutional rights away from law-abiding citizens, then they are doing NOTHING to fix the problem.
ITS A SECURITY ISSUE POLITITIANS!!!!
FIX THE SECURITY ON SCHOOL PROPERTIES!!!!!!
As usual the democrat control freaks want to deter honest citizens with nonsense while ignoring positive preventive measures to increasing school security.
The Demwits have no clue about the real world! They hide behind their armed security as if their life is worth more than mine or yours. They forget they work for we the people! Every one of them need replacing starting with the whole Democratic Party then the Republicans! They all have no balls to stand up and enforce the Constitution!!!
Staying away from the gun debate I have to wonder why the people in our government aren’t screaming for schools to lock their doors? To install an area where people who enter the building can be “screened” from a simple camera system? I’m sorry but I lock my garage and tool shed to protect my cars, tools, lawn mower and other things I don’t want to lose. I also take every step I can to protect my family much like people in our government take to protect themselves and their families.
The second amendment is there to prevent exactly what they’re trying to do. Domestic enemies.
Using the same logic, I believe to be a journalist, you should have to be required to take a written test, and have training on how to provide news that is not biased. If you tell lies and half truths you lose you license to report the news for life. The news media has done more to corrupt the country, than us legal gun owners.
If you control the media, you control public opinion, for the most part. That’s why the Leftist-owned MSM is fully behind suppressing opposing views from the Right as “misinformation/disinformation.”
The MSM is the frontline propaganda wind of the Progressive-Socialists. Do you seriously think they’d leash or castrate their attack dogs? That’d be like imposing Term Limits on themselves. Ain’t gonna happen.
Wow, seems these Democrats have failed to even READ the constitution, much less uphold it, as their oath of office requires. I suggest they be impeached and replaced with senators who are qualified for the job.
We already have that license in Iowa. It’s called a permit to purchase or a Concealed carry license. These people have no idea what’s already on the books for laws. We need people on government that are intelligent and follow our Constitution, not make up laws to suit their ego.
Another trip to the SCOTUS to slap them down. But then their voters keep reelecting the same cretins over and over
Your last sentence touched the real problem. Living idiots with the right to vote. Why the Progressive-Socialists are flooding the country with Illegals, who they think will keep them in power forever. Some freebies tossed their way and they’re in. Remember buying votes with the free “Obama phones?” (and why wasn’t he prosecuted for that?)
So they know where all the ‘legal’ gun are?
The constitution says 2nd amendment shall not be enfringed. They are lawless! They swore an oath to uphold the constitution!
this would NEVER happen……. what a nightmare to read first thing in the morning!!!!
Assuming you’re over 125 years old, maybe not in your lifetime. I hope it doesn’t happen. But never say never. Almost anything’s possible.
Don’t be naive. Who could have guessed the U.S. would go from energy independence and an exporter to an energy crisis and on-our-knees-begging importer in less than 2 years? Who could have guessed America would ever run out of baby formula? Who would have guessed we’d have bare supermarket shelves, supply chain & producer issues, lock-downs, vaccine “passports,” sky-high inflation, a gender-fluid military, etc., etc.?
Wake-up, man! The Left NEVER quits its pursuit of its agenda.
Will this include criminals too? You know they’ll get guns their usual way, STEAL them!! This is another stupid gun control by democrats!
… And that RINO prick, McConnell will probably be on board with the idea.
…and Romney, Cheney, Swalwell, Murkowsky, Collins, and the rest of the 19 Quislings who side with the Progressive-Socialists.