To the editor:

And, it is here. It is finally here! Common sense gun reform is on our nation’s door step.  

It has arrived under the name “Fix NICS Act.” This Act, which has bipartisan support, would give incentives to federal agencies and states to improve their reporting of records into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) — and hold them accountable if they don't.  

So, what’s the hang up this time?  

The “Fix NICS Act” has been added to the “concealed carry reciprocity” bill. “Concealed carry reciprocity” is the gun lobby’s top priority legislation. It would eviscerate state gun laws, including Rhode Island’s, and make it easy for people with dangerous histories and no training to carry hidden, loaded guns in public across the country.  

Did you know that in 12 states, including our close neighbors, New Hampshire and Vermont, one can carry a concealed, loaded weapon without a permit at all? And that if “concealed carry reciprocity” passes, Rhode Island would be forced to accept the concealed carry standards of every other state, even states that have weak standards, or worse, no standards at all, like New Hampshire and Vermont?  

Feeling frustrated and that the safety of your family and all Rhode Islanders is at risk of increased gun violence if this passes? I hear you.  

That is why I called Congressman Cicilline and urged him to vote “no” on “concealed carry reciprocity” and the “Fix NICS Act.” You should call Congressman Cicilline, too, and tell him the “Fix NICS Act” deserves a clean vote. The time is now to pass common sense gun reform to keep our families safer from gun violence.

Amy Herlihy

Barrington