This week, Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) introduced "microstamping" legislation titled the "National Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007."   The bill is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Feinstein (D-CA), Menendez (D-NJ), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Durbin (D-IL), Schumer (D-NY), and Reed (D-RI). 

Commenting on the bill's introduction, Kennedy said, "Micro-stamping ammunition is an important and effective method of tracing guns, and provides law enforcement with a much-needed resource in solving crimes." 

Actually, microstamping has never been implemented.  Legislation was passed in California at the end of last year, but has not been implemented.  Therefore, claiming it is an "effective method" is not correct.  On the contrary, there are numerous and varied problems with micro-stamping (for additional information on those flaws, please click here: http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?id=223&issue=078).    

The measure has support from the usual gun ban groups, such as the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, the Brady Campaign, and others. 

Of course, we will continue to actively monitor this legislation and will apprise you of any developments.