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Tim Ryan on Gun Control

Democratic Representative (OH-17); Presidential Challenger (withdrawn)

 


Supports universal background checks

The other bill is a comprehensive universal background check that 90% of the American people support. This is a pretty popular thing. I wish everything in Washington, D.C. had 90% support of the American people. This does. It's common sense. We can do something that 90% of American people agree upon. It would prevent a lot of gun violence.
Source: CNN State of the Union interview for Dems' 2020 Veepstakes , Aug 25, 2019

Voluntary buyback for assault weapons, plus a ban

Tim Ryan on Assault Weapons: Support a voluntary buyback program.

FIVE CANDIDATES HAVE SIMILAR VIEWS: Steve Bullock; Peter Buttigieg; Julian Castro; Beto O`Rourke; Andrew Yang.

Rep. Tim Ryan said during a CNN town hall that he does "support an assault weapons ban," and a campaign spokesperson told POLITICO that Ryan "is in favor of voluntary buyback programs for assault weapons" that would allow the federal government to purchase those firearms back from gun owners.

Source: Politico "2020Dems on the Issues" , Jul 17, 2019

We need mental health counseling to prevent mass shootings

Secretary Julian CASTRO: I am the dad of a 10-year-old girl, Carina. The worst thing is knowing that your child might be worried about what could happen at school, a place that's supposed to be safe.

Rep. Tim RYAN: These kids are traumatized. We need to start dealing with the trauma that our kids have. We need trauma-based care in every school. 90% of the shooters come from the school they're in, and 73% of them feel shamed, traumatized, or bullied. We need to make sure that these kids feel connected to the school. That means a mental health counselor in every single school. We need to start playing offense. If our kids are so traumatized that they're getting a gun and going into our schools, we're doing something wrong.

Source: June Democratic Primary debate (first night in Miami) , Jun 26, 2019

Went from NRA A-rating to pro-gun control

Ryan previously received A-ratings from the National Rifle Association, but following the fatal Las Vegas shooting in 2017, he announced he would donate the $20,000 he'd received from the NRA's PAC to organizations that support of gun control.
Source: Axios.com "What you need to know about 2020" , Apr 7, 2019

Soured on NRA after Sandy Hook

Tim Ryan enjoyed an A rating from the National Rifle Association for years, but claims to have soured on the organization after the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012.
Source: The Atlantic, "Rust Belt Yogi" on 2020 Democratic primary , Mar 15, 2019

Voted YES 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 YES 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

Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.

Ryan scores A 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

National cross-state standard for concealed carry.

Ryan signed H.R.197&S.845

Establishes a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms (other than a machinegun or destructive device) by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state:

Source: National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act 09-HR197 on Jan 6, 2009

Teach kids Eddie Eagle GunSafe's lifesaving message.

Ryan signed H.RES.1365

Source: Resolution Commending the National Rifle Association 10-HRs1365 on May 18, 2010

Loosen restrictions on interstate gun purchases.

Ryan co-sponsored Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

Congressional Summary:Amends the federal criminal code to:

  • allow licensed firearms dealers to sell or deliver any firearm (currently, rifles or shotguns) to any state if the licensee meets with the purchaser and the transaction complies with the laws of the state in which the transfer is conducted and the purchaser's state of residence; and
  • eliminate the requirement that a licensee must conduct business at a gun show only in the state that is specified on the licensee's license.
  • Nothing in this Act shall prohibit the sale of a firearm or ammunition between licensed firearms dealers at any location in any state.

    Proponent's Comments (NRA-ILA, Oct. 14, 2011): This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968:

    Source: HR58/S1691 11-H0058 on Oct 12, 2011

    Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad.

    Ryan co-sponsored Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act

    Source: HR420/S798 11-HR0420 on Jan 25, 2011

    Require background check for every firearm sale and transfer.

    Ryan 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".