Proposed Bill Aims for More Gun Buybacks
The legislation, known as The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act of 2013, or H.R. 793, would provide another tool for local law enforcement to address gun violence in Los Angeles.
Congresswoman Sánchez gathered with Los Angeles County Sheriff Sheriff Lee Baca, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Congresswoman Janice Hahn (CA-44), Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, and Montebello Police Chief Kevin McClure at the LA County Sheriff department to make the announcement.
Sheriff Baca expressed support for the proposed legislation, reiterating that he has led buyback initiatives in LA with great success.
"Getting one gun off the street may save a life and that is worth it,” said Baca.
“I appreciate Congresswoman Linda Sánchez supporting this program and endeavoring to make our country safer from gun violence.”
H.R. 793 would establish a program within the Department of Justice through which state, tribal, and local units of government and law enforcement agencies would be eligible to carry out anti-violence campaigns, gun safety campaigns, and firearms buyback programs.
“For far too long we have watched gun violence shatter the lives of thousands of families every year, and it is time to stand up and protect our children and our communities,” said Congresswoman Sánchez.
“It is time to give our law enforcement agencies all the necessary resources to prevent gun violence, and that starts by funding anti-violence campaigns, gun safety campaigns, and firearms buyback programs. Our families deserve to have safe streets and communities.”
Officials note that while recent shooting incidents like that in Newtown, Conn., have raised awareness about gun violence, LA has experienced gun violence for decades.
Sánchez represents the 38th congressional district of California, which covers several cities in Southeast LA and the San Fernando Valley.
