Biden-Harris Administration Implements Gun Export Regulations to Curb Crime and Human Rights Abuses

For Immediate Release

April 26, 2023

Contact:

John Kelley

917-679-6475

jkelley@newtownaction.org

Biden-Harris Administration Implements Gun Export Regulations to Curb Crime and Human Rights

Abuses

Newtown, CT - The Newtown Action Alliance commends the Biden-Harris Administration for its

decisive action in implementing reforms to U.S. gun export regulations. These measures represent

crucial first steps towards curbing the use of U.S.-made firearms in crimes and human rights abuses

abroad and bolstering national security interests.

Under the Interim Final Rule published today by Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and

Security (BIS), exporters will be required to undergo more stringent vetting processes for their

customers and tighten sales to 36 countries identified as “high-risk” for the illicit diversion of

firearms. Additionally, the length of export licenses will be reduced from four years to one, and the

State Department will be granted greater authority to block sales.

“This is an important victory for public safety both domestically and internationally,” said Po Murray,

Chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance. “By implementing these reforms, the Biden-Harris

Administration is taking proactive steps to prevent the misuse of U.S.-made firearms to protect

vulnerable communities around the globe from violence and human rights abuses - rather than

protect the U.S. gun industry’s billion-dollar profits.”

While celebrating these advancements, the Newtown Action Alliance reaffirms its unwavering

support for the ARMAS Act, introduced by Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) last December. The

ARMAS Act aims to mobilize resources across the federal government to disrupt firearms trafficking

from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean and implement stronger transparency,

accountability, and oversight for U.S. arms exports.

“The ARMAS Act is a critical piece of legislation that complements the new regulations and

addresses the root causes of firearms trafficking,” added Murray. “By strengthening oversight and

accountability, we can effectively combat the flow of illegal weapons and promote peace and stability

in the Western Hemisphere.”

Newtown Action Alliance continues to call on the Biden-Harris Administration to take further action

by implementing a comprehensive ban on the import and export of assault weapons. Such a ban is

essential to preventing the proliferation of weapons of war and enhancing public safety both

domestically and abroad.

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Newtown Action Alliance (http://alliance.newtownaction.org/) is a Newtown-based, national

grassroots organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Our mission is to

achieve the steady and continuous reduction of gun violence through legislative and cultural changes.