Third Way Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the Brady Act and Applauds the House of Representatives’ Passage of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019

WASHINGTON — Third Way issued the following statement from Jim Kessler, Executive Vice President for Policy:

"Today marks the 25^th anniversary of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, establishing the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Over the past two and a half decades, this landmark law ensured that over 300 million gun sale background checks were conducted. Without it, countless firearms would have ended up in the hands of those who are legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. Its passage took enormous political courage and stands as the most significant gun safety law enacted at the federal level.

"But even as we celebrate this lifesaving law, it is necessary to recognize the strides we still need to make to end gun violence. Which is exactly why we applaud the House of Representatives’ swift action yesterday to pass the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. This much-needed legislation would expand upon the progress we made 25 years ago by ensuring that each and every gun sale requires a background check. Americans from coast to coast are demanding real solutions to the continued crises we face every day in gun violence. Now that the House has shown true leadership, we urge the Senate to move forward with all haste."