Senator Thom Tillis | Senator Thom Tillis Official photo
Senator Thom Tillis | Senator Thom Tillis Official photo
Senators Thom Tillis, Ted Cruz, and Chuck Grassley have introduced the Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act, aiming to safeguard Second Amendment rights while ensuring accurate background checks. Senator Tillis emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “This commonsense legislation will protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, increase the availability of records to NICS to ensure those suffering from mental illness receive the care they need and help law enforcement stop dangerous criminals.”
The Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act focuses on various key aspects to achieve its goals. It aims to improve recordkeeping by requiring states to submit relevant mental health records to NICS, enhance accountability by having federal agencies report annually to Congress on the records submitted to NICS, and strengthen protections for veterans while establishing guidelines for Fast & Furious type operations by the Justice Department.
Moreover, the legislation prioritizes public safety by promoting coordination between federal and state officials on gun law enforcement, increasing the maximum sentence for lying and buying firearms, and commissioning a study on the causes of mass shootings. Additionally, efforts to crack down on cross-border gun smuggling will be intensified without additional costs to taxpayers.
The bill focuses on supporting law enforcement and ensuring that accurate information is available to prevent firearms from reaching the wrong hands. By enhancing resources to fight firearms trafficking and addressing mental health concerns related to firearms purchases, the legislation aims to create a safer environment for communities while upholding Second Amendment rights.