In an op-ed published Wednesday in US News & World Report, National Rifle Association executive director Chris Cox reiterated the pro-gun lobby’s position that universal background checks will not reduce gun violence.
“Members of Congress should reject the idea that expanding a broken background check system will make anyone safer,” Cox wrote. “The American people deserve better than politicians who continue to pursue failed policy agendas. Americans deserve to be safe in their communities and to have their Second Amendment rights respected. We can achieve both.”
Instead, Cox argued that it would be more effective if leaders on Capitol Hill took action on a bill introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Mark Begich (D-AK) that would seek to bolster the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the channel through which a person’s eligibility to purchase a firearm is determined.
“We know that NICS needs improvement,” Cox wrote. “The Graham-Begich bill helps fix NICS by clearly spelling out the definition of who is a danger to themselves or others and should not have access to firearms, while protecting the rights of law abiding citizens. In particular, America’s veterans should not be deprived of their Second Amendment rights based on a purely administrative finding that they need assistance in managing their financial affairs.”
A deal on background checks has been struck by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Pat Toomey (R-PA), who are expected to announce the proposal on Wednesday. Polls conducted since the December massacre in Newtown, Conn. have consistently shown overwhelming public support — even among gun owners — for universal background checks, but the NRA and several Republicans have remained steadfast in their opposition.
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