TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) issued the following statement on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ final rule expanding required background checks before firearm sales.

“The Biden administration’s finalized rule marks significant progress to help save lives and prevent guns from falling into the hands of dangerous individuals,” said Rep. Grijalva. “By closing this decades-old loophole, our communities will be safer from the scourge of gun violence. We must continue to push for common sense gun reforms like universal background checks and a national ban on assault weapons Now is time to build on our progress and have the political courage to protect the children of this nation – full stop.”

Previously, only sellers “engaged in the business” of firearm dealing were required to register as a Federal firearm licensee (FFL) and therefore conduct background checks for firearm sales. Today’s rule expands the definition of “engaged in the business” of dealing firearms to anyone who sells firearms to earn a profit, greatly expanding the number of firearms dealers legally required to register as FFLs. Firearms sellers previously operating without running background checks will be obligated to perform them before selling a firearm to a buyer.

This rule was made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most consequential gun violence prevention legislation signed into law in decades which Rep. Grijalva was proud to help pass.

More information on the Biden administration’s new rule is available here.