Steven Mace
10-22-2003, 04:53 AM
Democrats Press Law to Ban Plastic Guns
Wednesday October 22, 2003 2:01 AM
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Democrats plan to urge Congress to reauthorize a law banning plastic guns that could be used by terrorists to slip past airport metal detectors.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said Tuesday he plans to introduce legislation to reauthorize the Terrorist Firearm Detection Act of 1988, which bans the creation or possession plastic firearms. Exemptions for the military and intelligence agencies are provided in the law.
Officials worry terrorists would be able to get their hands on plastic weapons that would have no metal parts to set off metal detectors at airports and other security checkpoints.
The bill was last reauthorized in 1998 and expires in December.
Kennedy called the legislation ``clearly necessary in today's America'' and pressed Justice Department officials for their support at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. ``Will the Justice Department support the bill?'' he asked.
``I agree that the issue of weapons being undetected is an important one,'' Assistant Attorney General Christopher Wray said. ``I would be happy to review the legislation.''
Kennedy and fellow Democratic Sens. Charles Schumer of New York and Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey planned to introduce the legislation on Wednesday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3293109,00.html
Steve Mace
Wednesday October 22, 2003 2:01 AM
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Democrats plan to urge Congress to reauthorize a law banning plastic guns that could be used by terrorists to slip past airport metal detectors.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said Tuesday he plans to introduce legislation to reauthorize the Terrorist Firearm Detection Act of 1988, which bans the creation or possession plastic firearms. Exemptions for the military and intelligence agencies are provided in the law.
Officials worry terrorists would be able to get their hands on plastic weapons that would have no metal parts to set off metal detectors at airports and other security checkpoints.
The bill was last reauthorized in 1998 and expires in December.
Kennedy called the legislation ``clearly necessary in today's America'' and pressed Justice Department officials for their support at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. ``Will the Justice Department support the bill?'' he asked.
``I agree that the issue of weapons being undetected is an important one,'' Assistant Attorney General Christopher Wray said. ``I would be happy to review the legislation.''
Kennedy and fellow Democratic Sens. Charles Schumer of New York and Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey planned to introduce the legislation on Wednesday.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3293109,00.html
Steve Mace