The House of Representatives has approved Congressman Mike D. Rogers’
amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which—if accepted in the Senate—could make it possible for Americans who meet
stringent requirements to purchase a military surplus handgun from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
The CMP is authorized under federal law to sell surplus rifles and ammunition to U.S. citizens of age, who belong to shooting clubs affiliated with the program, after passing a background check, and satisfying all federal and state laws. Representative Rogers’ amendment would simply extend the authorization to include other firearms.
On Monday, the Huffington Post approvingly
reported that the Obama administration opposes Representative Rogers’ amendment, claiming that the CMP would sell the handguns over the “Internet” or by “mail-order,” without background checks. But the Obama administration isn’t telling the truth.
Federal law requires the CMP to conduct background checks and to comply with federal and state laws governing firearm sales.
The administration is apparently also claiming that handguns sold by the CMP would be “untraceable.” But this, too, is false. All military firearms have serial numbers, and the CMP keeps records on every firearm it sells.