CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina's two Democratic Congressmen announced legislation to extend potential wait times for gun background checks.
Rep. Jim Clyburn and Rep. Joe Cunningham announced the bill at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. They say it will close the so-called "Charleston Loophole". Current laws allow a gun sale to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days.
"As the years pass by, it's become more evident that if we change nothing, nothing will change," said Cunningham.
Clyburn and Cunningham's legislation suggests that if a background check is not completed during an initial 10 business day period, a purchaser may request an expedited review to jolt the FBI to complete its investigation. If the background check is not resolved after the additional 10 business days, the person may purchase the gun.
"Remember Dylan Roof attempted to purchase a gun on a Saturday," said Clyburn. "The background check was requested the following Monday and something showed up. They needed to check it out again, or further check it. But by the time the further check, the 3-day period had expired."
Advocates for gun reform say there are daily reminders of why this bill is needed.
"We have to stop acting like gun violence is an acceptable part of our daily life in America. Background checks are the single most effective way to reduce gun violence," said Jackie Shelley with South Carolina Moms Demand Action.
The two Congressmen say the changes would allow law enforcement more time and would prevent tragedies like the shooting deaths of nine church goers at Mother Emanuel in 2015.
"This is more than bipartisan. This is just plain common sense that we give our law enforcement a few extra days so tragedies like this can be prevented in the future," said Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg.
Congressman Clyburn anticipates the bill to pass within the next several days in the House.