U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8th) on Thursday introduced the NRA Members' Gun Safety Act — five gun safety reforms that the congressman's office says are supported by nearly two-thirds of the Fairfax-based National Rifle Associations' members.
“The NRA as an organization is out of step with its membership on many commonsense gun safety measures. Polling shows nearly two-thirds of NRA members support the five simple ways to improve gun safety included in this bill,” Moran said in a statement.
“The NRA’s absolutist position on gun issues is an impediment to the safety and security of the public. This legislation is designed to highlight that schism, offering popular proposals even NRA members support to prevent more gun-related tragedies.”
Moran's proposal comes nearly a week after the tragic school shootings in Newtown, Conn., which turned the national conversation to gun safety and gun rights.
Moran's office cites research by Republican pollster Frank Luntz as evidence of support among the NRA's membership for the provisions of his bill.
The five provisions, according to a news release:
- Require background checks for every gun purchase (74 percent NRA member support)
- Require background checks on gun shop employees (79 percent NRA member support)
- Prohibit individuals on the terrorist watch list from purchasing firearms (71 percent NRA member support)
- Require gun owners to report to police when their guns are lost or stolen (64 percent NRA member supports)
- Establish minimum standards for concealed carry permits (63 percent to 75 percent NRA member support for each standard)
"The NRA has an opportunity to be proactive in the face of the Newtown tragedy, playing a constructive role in protecting the public in ways that do not undermine the 2nd Amendment in the eyes of their own membership," Moran said in his statement.
Moran's announcement comes on the eve of a "major" news conference the NRA plans to hold Friday in Washington.
The organization released a statement this week saying it will make "meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again."
Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, who has an 'A' rating from the NRA, called the Newtown masssacre a "game changer" and advocated tightening gun laws.
More than 10,000 people in America are killed each year with a firearm, according to Moran's office.
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