House Dems push bill to make gun trafficking a federal offense

[MikePapa1]

House Dems push bill to make gun trafficking a federal offense - TheHill.com

"The bill would make it illegal for a person to receive or transfer two or more firearms while “knowing or having reasonable cause to believe†that those guns would end up in the hands of a felon or someone intending to commit a felony. The legislation details several sentencing guidelines, with a maximum penalty ranging between 20 and 25 years in prison."

Interesting definition.

[Warbird]

Scary definition. Who is to be the arbiter of "knowing or reasonable cause to believe"? Any little old prosecutor, anywhere.

If they believe this definition to be true, then shouldn't they currently be calling for more hearings into the ATF and Justice Department's current scandal? They seem to fit that exactly.

Edited July 15, 2011 by Warbird

[MikePapa1]

That's who'd charge, yes. A jury, ultimately, would decide.

[Warbird]

That's who'd charge, yes. A jury, ultimately, would decide.

Well, of course. But the charge would be the first hassle regardless of the outcome. We all know a grand jury will give a prosecutor nearly any charge he seeks. It is not always, but nearly always so. Then to be tried and wieghed by that jury.

My point is that initially the prosecutor, and we know how anti-gun and charge happy some of them are, would decide he thinks you had to know you sold guns to somebody who had bad intentions in mind.

It is already illegal to receive a weapon with the intention of selling to another who they know cannot buy one on their own, usually due to a criminal past.

Edited July 15, 2011 by Warbird

[MikePapa1]

While I agree that a Grand Jury is almost always under the sway of the State, I was pleasantly surprised to learn yesterday that our Grand Jury returned three "No True Bills" on a client of mine.

[DaveTN]

Cummings could not say whether a bill similar to the one introduced on Friday would have prevented an operation like Fast and Furious, which might have contributed to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

So they want us to believe they need this legislation to prosecute Federal Agents acting on orders?

These laws will be used to prosecute people who are running internet gun businesses without a license.

The story implies that this legislation only applies to guns crossing state lines; is that the case?

[mikegideon]

Have the House Dems noticed how many Repubs are in the room these days? More smoke, I think.

[Warbird]

Have the House Dems noticed how many Repubs are in the room these days? More smoke, I think.

In the end that is correct. It is funny however, that they have a bill with this definition, yet they are stonewalling efforts to push the ATF scandal forward in hearings in the senate and by the minority in the house. In the house those hearings are going to keep going forward despite minority objections.

As to the ATF scandal and wrongdoing by agents, a bill passed into law now would have no effect on them. Or those who commanded such actions. That doesn't mean laws already on the books might not lead to prosecution in this particular instance. As was said above, this is to harass others, not the ATF mess.

[mikegideon]

All about election results, and nothing about running the country. Worthless sacks of

[hipower]

All about election results, and nothing about running the country. Worthless sacks of

Situation Normal. All Fouled Up. Or something like that.

[ttocswob]

Unconstitutional gun laws are a federal offense, IMO.

[chemprof]

It is already illegal to receive a weapon with the intention of selling to another who they know cannot buy one on their own, usually due to a criminal past.

Just ANOTHER example of how they don't enforce the laws already on the books, and continue to find ways to impose NEW limitations until they finally confiscate them all.

[eapking]

More smoke screen for Fast & Furious culprits.

[Guest RobThatsMe]

More smoke screen for Fast & Furious culprits.

or cover-up excuses..