There are also FBI reports that the rates of the most violent crimes, such as murder and robbery, could be on the rebound after a long decline. The overall drop in crime is great news, but the rise of gun violence demonstrates what happens when Congress and the Administration back off of gun control, as has been the case in the past few years. Obviously federal and local law enforcement officials are doing a great job of limiting and diminishing crime, so just imagine how much progress could be made if Congress stepped up to the plate and did something about our weakening gun laws. If nothing else, this report should be a lesson that when gun control is ignored and relaxed, gun crime goes up.

This article is particularly troubling because it comes on the heels of the House Judiciary Committee’s approval of H.R. 5092, which could potentially make it more difficult for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to suspend licenses of gun dealers who break laws. The bill is expected to get a vote on the House in the upcoming week. Other dangerous bills that weaken gun laws (H.R. 5005 and H.R. 1384) are also being reviewed by the Committee.)

In light of these Justice Department and FBI reports, it would be abhorrent for Congress to pass these gun bills. With rising gun violence, now is the time to make stricter gun laws, not laxer. An overall drop in crime does little to make the American people feel more secure if gun and violent crimes continue to rise. We have made so much progress as a nation to make our streets safer. How can Congress justify relaxing gun laws at a time when gun crimes are going up?