Fighting Gun Violence: “We’re going to reduce gun violence in America, and those who commit crimes with guns will find a
determined adversary in my Administration.” (5/14/01)
General: “I believe law-abiding citizens should be allowed to own guns to hunt and to protect themselves.” (“A Charge to Keep,” (12/9/99)
On the Brady Bill: “Law-abiding citizens ought to be allowed to protect their families. We ought to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them. That’s why I’m for instant background checks at gun shows. I’m for trigger locks. I think we ought to raise the age at which juveniles can have a gun. I also believe that the best way to make sure that we keep our society safe is to hold people accountable for breaking the law. If we catch somebody
illegally selling a gun, there needs to be a consequence. The federal government can help.” (St. Louis debate, 10/17/00)
Signed into law consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2003. Among other appropriations, prohibits the use of funds in this Act for: (1) the implementation of any tax or fee in connection with the implementation of the national instant criminal background check system for firearms; and (2) any system to implement such background check system that does not require and result in the destruction of any identifying information submitted by or on behalf of any person who has been determined not to be prohibited from owning a firearm (2/24/03).
Signed into Law the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, to amend title 18, United States Code, to exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers from state laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed handguns (7/22/04).