Rep. McBride and Delawareans Support the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025

Delawarean gun violence prevention activists and advocates celebrated the introduction of a bill that would require a background check to be performed prior to all firearm purchases across the country. This legislation introduction comes as communities and leaders across the country observe National Gun Violence Awareness Month, honoring the lives lost and taking action to protect the lives of Americans. Under current federal law, only licensed gun dealers are required to run a federal background check when selling a gun. This leaves a loophole for the sale of guns by unlicensed gun dealers—such as those sold online. This bill addresses the loophole by requiring a background check for all gun sales. Today, Delaware’s Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE) joined Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) as an original co-sponsor of the legislation— H.R. 18, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025.