In the wake of last week’s Florida shooting, President Trump is open to support a bill that will provide stronger gun background checks.
The bill is called the “Fix NICS Act.” NICS refers to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The bill was introduced in November of last year after the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.The shooter had a history of domestic abuse and bad conduct while he was in the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force did not report his criminal background to the FBI.
The bill ensures that authorities on state and federal level, reports criminal history records to NICS. Any federal agency that fails to report criminal records will be held accountable.
The “Fix NICS Act” would also create a Domestic Abuse and Violence Prevention Initiative. This would ensure that instances of domestic violence and abuse are reported as well, and the abuser would not be able to purchase a firearm.
The bipartisan bill was first introduced by Sens. John Cornyn R-Texas, Chris Murphy D-Connecticut, Tim Scott R-South Carolina, and Richard Blumenthal D-Connecticut.
While Trump is willing to back the bill, discussions are still on going.
By: Amber Shepp
