BIPARTISAN SAFER
COMMUNITIES ACT
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the below statement on her vote in support of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:
“The American people want us to do something to prevent gun violence in our nation. I strongly agree, but in doing so, it was important that our effort was focused, impactful, and did not infringe upon our sacred 2nd amendment rights. This legislation meets that criteria.
“Let me be very clear: This bill does not take away, restrict, or prohibit the rights of any law-abiding citizen from owning or possessing a firearm. I’ve heard from many West Virginians about this, and the biggest misconception I’ve been hearing is about red flag laws. This bill does not include any provision that would federalize red flag laws. West Virginia state lawmakers also passed a law—which I strongly support—that would effectively prevent state and local police from enforcing any federal gun law that exceeds those existing in the state. This bill respects that decision. In other words: West Virginia is not and will never be a red flag law state.
“The challenge of combating gun violence is broad, and this bill includes resources for mental health and school safety. It also recognizes the value of the NICS System, which is managed primarily in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The men and women at the FBI Center there do a stellar job processing record amounts of background checks, and I will always support their important work.
“This legislation presented an opportunity to say, ‘enough is enough’ to the violence that has devastated far too many of our communities and violence that I never want to see in West Virginia or anywhere else in our great country.”