Clinton Won't Stop Gun Buybacks
Dateline: 07/31/00
President Clinton on Sunday (7/30/00) stated that he intended to direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to continue operating its gun buyback program despite being ordered by a House appropriation subcommittee to stop it.
Since starting in April of 1999, the 70-city "BuyBack America" program has resulted in the purchase of over 17,000 guns. While gun owners are paid a maximum of $50 for each gun sold under the program, total costs to the federal government have been around $3.5 million, or just over $205 per gun.
However, chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee, Rep. James Walsh (R-NY), claims existing law does not authorize the $15 million program to continue.
A Chicago Tribune story of Sunday (7/30/00), reports that Rep. Walsh's subcommittee, in June, ordered HUD secretary, Andrew Cuomo, to stop financing BuyBack America. The dispute has stopped the planned expansion of the program into an additional 30 cities
On Sunday, President Clinton issued a statement saying that HUD has clear legal authority to continue funding the program in order to prevent "an untold number of gun accidents, suicides and crimes."
The gun buyback program has been criticized by the National Rifle Association and by some Republicans in the House as a waste of federal money that fails to take guns out of the hands of criminals.
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Reference Links
Gun Buyback Program Will Continue, Clinton Tells Critics
Chicago Tribune -- July 30, 2000President Clinton Announces Initiative to Buy Up to 300,000 Guns
HUD Press Release of Sept. 9, 1999 announcing the $15 million gun buyback program. Also has comments on the program and a summary of results in 1999.BuyBack America - Notice of Federal Funding (nofa)
This is the document spelling out the legal parameters of federal spending for HUD's gun buyback program.BuyBack America Fact Sheet
A HUD document explaining the what's, why's and how's of the gun buyback program.National Rifle Association - Legislation Updates
The leading gun owner advocacy group. Opposed to new gun control laws.Handgun Control and The Center to Prevent Handgun Violence
Organization working for stricter gun control laws.Gun Laws, Gun Control and Gun Rights
Covers the legal issues of gun control. From JURIST: The Law Professors' Network.Gun Control vs. Gun Rights: The Issue
Report on the gun debate and campaign money, from the Center for Responsive Politics.
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Read or join in a free online forum dedicated to the gun control issue hosted by your About Guide.
Links to more articles and features related to the gun control issue compiled by your About Guide.
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The very best in links about advocacy and commentary on gun rights, from your About Guide to Civil Liberties J.D. Tuccille.
Related links from one of the most interesting sites on the Web, Guide Bill Bickel's Crime and Punishment.
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