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Schatz Backs Ten Year Ban on Undetectable Guns

Calls on Senate to Extend Ban on Plastic, Undetectable, and Homemade Firearms Before Ban Expires Monday


Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on the Senate to pass a ten year ban on undetectable firearms, including plastic and 3-D printed guns, which do not show up on x-ray machines or through metal detectors.  The current ban is set to expire this Monday, December 9.  Schatz is co-sponsoring legislation - the Undetectable Firearms Modernization Act – to extend the ban for ten years and put in place additional safety measures for new kinds of undetectable guns.

“This is about the safety of children and families in Hawai‘i and across the country,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “Without this ban, dangerous people will be free to use new technology, like 3D printing, to produce and carry guns that cannot be detected through x-rays.  The Senate must act to prevent deadly uses of undetectable firearms.”

The House of Representatives passed a ban on undetectable firearms last week and the Senate plans to take up legislation on Monday.  Schatz also plans to work on the Senate floor to improve the current ban with increased safety measures.  The original ban on undetectable firearms was passed in 1988.  Most recently, it was renewed in 2003 for ten years.  If the Senate does not act, the ban will be lifted on Monday, December 9th, 2013. 

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