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Maria Cantwell on Gun Control

Democratic Jr Senator (WA)

 


Close the background loophole and deal with mental health

Senator Cantwell discussed raising the age to purchase a rifle from 18-years-old to 21-years-old. And that more information and data should be communicated and people that have made threats, and what can be done stop and prevent tragedies. But, when pressed on the issue of banning the AR-15 and similar weapons, she said the federal government should take a page out of Washington States gun laws. "I think what we need to do is take the good success that Washington state has done on closing the background loophole and dealing with the mental health issue and get those implemented at the federal level."

While Cantwell believes that Washington State law on closing the background check loophole and dealing with the mental health issue should be implemented at the federal level, It was a different story when she was asked about a full ban on rifles like the AR-15 "so no interest in the ban of certain...?" "Thank you," said the senator.

Source: KHQ NBC-Q6 on 2018 Washington Senate race , Feb 21, 2018

People on no-fly list shouldn't be able to own a gun

During a Q&A session, the senator told KHQ local news that she "believes anyone who is on the no-fly list shouldn't be able to own a gun." The Senator also told KHQ that the Senate and Congress need to act on banning bump stocks which allow a semi-automatic rifle fire off rounds like a fully automatic weapon. Earlier this week President Trump directed the Department of Justice to prohibit gun modifications just like the bump stock.
Source: KHQ NBC-Q6 on 2018 Washington Senate race , Feb 21, 2018

Close the gun-show loophole; favors trigger locks

While both candidates favor trigger locks, Maria also expressed her support for closing the gun show loophole. Gorton insisted that gun violence in schools is becoming less of a problem.
Source: Press Release: Summary of KING-5 TV debate , Oct 30, 2000

Opposes absolute right to gun ownership

I support legislation that enforces safe and responsible gun use, to protect our children from avoidable tragedies. - Cantwell

Cantwell voted to require background checks and waiting periods to purchase handguns.

As a Senator, she promises to support: child safety locks, strict enforcement of existing federal firearm regulations, an end to gun sales by unlicensed dealers, closure of the gun show loophole, and the registration of handguns.

Source: www.cantwell2000.com , Sep 21, 2000

Prevent unauthorized firearm use with "smart gun" technology.

Cantwell adopted the manifesto, "A New Agenda for the New Decade":

Make America the “Safest Big Country” in the World
After climbing relentlessly for three decades, crime rates started to fall in the 1990s. Nonetheless, the public remains deeply concerned about the prevalence of gun violence, especially among juveniles, and Americans still avoid public spaces like downtown retail areas, parks, and even sports facilities.

We need to keep policing “smart” and community-friendly, prohibiting unjust and counterproductive tactics such as racial profiling; focus on preventing as well as punishing crime; pay attention to what happens to inmates and their families after sentencing; use mandatory testing and treatment to break the cycle of drugs and crime; and enforce and strengthen laws against unsafe or illegal guns. Moreover, we need a renewed commitment to equal justice for all, and we must reject a false choice between justice and safety.

Technology can help in many areas: giving police more information on criminal suspects so they do not rely on slipshod, random stop-and-search methods; allowing lower-cost supervision of people on probation or parole; and making it possible to disable and/or trace guns used by unauthorized persons.

Above all, we need to remember that public safety is the ultimate goal of crime policy. Until Americans feel safe enough to walk their neighborhood streets, enjoy public spaces, and send their children to school without fear of violence, we have not achieved public safety.

Source: The Hyde Park Declaration 00-DLC11 on Aug 1, 2000

Restrict right to bear arms, according to CC survey.

Cantwell supports the CC survey question on Second Amendment

The Christian Coalition Voter Guide inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Further Restrictions on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms' Christian Coalition's self-description: "Christian Voter Guide is a clearing-house for traditional, pro-family voter guides. We do not create voter guides, nor do we interview or endorse candidates."

Source: Christian Coalition Surve 18CC-10 on Jul 1, 2018

Co-sponsored background check for every firearm sale.

Cantwell co-sponsored the Bipartisan Background Checks Act

H.R.8: To require a background check for every firearm sale. This Act may be cited as the `Background Check Expansion Act`.