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John Lewis on Gun Control

Democratic Representative (GA-5)

 


Set aside federal funds to address gun violence

"I will say personally, I think the gun violence -- it's a tragedy what we've seen yesterday, and I'd urge Congress to look at these issues," Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said at an unrelated House hearing on the White House's fiscal year 2019 budget request. The Treasury Department [headed by Mnuchin] later told Politico that Mnuchin did not refer to whether Congress should think about changing gun laws. He was responding specifically to a question from Rep. John Lewis, D-GA, about whether funds in the federal budget were set aside to address gun violence, the agency said.

Lewis pressed Mnuchin about what the White House might do in response to the latest mass shooting in the United States. While Mnuchin acknowledged that gun policy is "out of my lane of responsibilities," he said he would speak to President Donald Trump And other Cabinet members about the issue.

Source: Jacob Pramuk on CNBC on 2018 GA-5 House race , Feb 15, 2018

Voted NO on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers.

A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. A YES vote would:
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S 397 ; vote number 2005-534 on Oct 20, 2005

Voted NO on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse.

Vote to pass a bill that would prohibit liability lawsuits from being brought against gun manufacturers and dealers based on the criminal misuse of firearms. The bill would also block these actions from being brought up against gun trade organizations and against ammunition makers and sellers. The measure would apply immediately to any pending cases. Several specific exceptions to the ban exist. This includes civil suits would be allowed against a maker or dealer who "knowingly and willfully violated" state or federal laws in the selling or marketing of a weapon. Design and manufacturing defect lawsuits are also permitted when weapons are "used as intended.
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill HR 1036 ; vote number 2003-124 on Apr 9, 2003

Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1.

Vote to pass a bill requiring anyone who purchases a gun at a gun show to go through an instant background check which must be completed within 24 hours [instead of 72 hours].
Reference: Bill introduced by McCollum, R-FL; Bill HR 2122 ; vote number 1999-244 on Jun 18, 1999

Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record.

Lewis scores F by NRA on pro-gun rights policies

While widely recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has, since its inception, been the premier firearms education organization in the world. But our successes would not be possible without the tireless efforts and countless hours of service our nearly three million members have given to champion Second Amendment rights and support NRA programs.

The following ratings are based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionaire sent to all Congressional candidates; the NRA assigned a letter grade (with A+ being the highest and F being the lowest).

Source: NRA website 02n-NRA on Dec 31, 2003

Repeal "stand-your-ground" laws.

Lewis co-sponsored Resolution on Gun Violence

Congressional Summary:

Proponent's argument for bill:Rep. KELLY (D-IL): As a Nation, we shudder at tragedies like the Newtown shootings. Yet sadly, every day, equally devastating acts of gun violence occur in urban America, often without the same media coverage. Since Newtown, over 6,000 Americans have lost their lives to gun violence. Still, Congress has yet to act on commonsense gun reforms that would save lives.

Opponent's argument against bill:(National Rifle Association editorial in USN&WR): "Stand your ground" or "no duty to retreat" laws recognize that a person who is attacked in any place where that person has a right to be, may use defensive force without first being required to retreat. This is important, because determining whether a safe retreat is available may require a split-second calculation that could end up being a losing gamble for the innocent person who is under attack. Criminals don't always back off when their victims retreat. Despite the Obama administration's assertion that "stand your ground" laws are a new concept in self-defense, they are in fact founded in common sense, natural law, and are well enshrined in American jurisprudence.

Source: H.Res.318 13-HR318 on Jul 25, 2013

Require background check for every firearm sale and transfer.

Lewis voted YEA the Bipartisan Background Checks Act

H.R.8: To require a background check for every firearm sale. This Act may be cited as the "Background Check Expansion Act".