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.