Sat Jun 14 15:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
Democratic Representatives Mike Thompson and Jim Clyburn, along with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, announced legislation aimed at expanding and strengthening background checks for firearm purchases. The proposed laws, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act (H.R. 18) and the Enhanced Background Checks Act, seek to close loopholes, including the “Charleston loophole,” and ensure universal background checks for all gun sales. Advocates emphasize the widespread public support for such measures and cite the potential for saving lives, pointing to instances where background checks have prevented gun violence. They call for bipartisan support, highlighting the urgency of addressing gun violence.
**News Article:**
**House Democrats Push for Universal Background Checks, Aim to Close ‘Charleston Loophole’**
**Washington, D.C.** – House Democrats, led by Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) and Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC-06), are making another push for universal background checks on all firearm sales, unveiling legislation on Tuesday designed to close existing loopholes and enhance the screening process. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force at the press conference.
The announcement comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine people were killed due to what is now known as the “Charleston loophole.” This loophole allows gun sales to proceed if a background check is not completed within three business days.
Representative Clyburn’s Enhanced Background Checks Act seeks to eliminate the three-day period and establish a more thorough background check system. Representative Thompson reintroduced H.R. 18, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), which would expand background check requirements.
“Keeping guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others just makes sense — and Americans overwhelmingly agree,” said Rep. Thompson.
Democratic Leader Jeffries emphasized the urgency of the situation and called for bipartisan support. “As House Democrats, we stand strongly behind this commonsense, life-saving legislation designed to improve public safety for communities across our nation. We just need a handful of Republicans to join us to advance and enhance the safety of the American people.
Proponents of the legislation point to overwhelming public support for universal background checks, with polls showing over 90% of both gun owners and non-gun owners in favor. They also cite instances where background checks have successfully prevented individuals who pose a threat from acquiring firearms, potentially averting tragedies.
Gun safety advocacy groups like GIFFORDS, Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, March For Our Lives, Newtown Action Alliance, and Sandy Hook Promise have endorsed the bills, emphasizing that background checks are a crucial and effective tool for reducing gun violence. The bills face an uphill battle in the House, where Republicans hold the majority.
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