Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) expressed his satisfaction with the inclusion of a 7-year extension of the Undetectable Firearms Act (UFA) in the government funding deal. Lawler's legislation, H.R.7040, extending the UFA, was incorporated into the appropriations package in response to his advocacy efforts.

Lawler stated, "Two weeks ago, I sent the Speaker a letter urging him to include my legislation, H.R.7040, which extends the UFA, in any appropriations deal." He continued, "I was glad to see that Speaker Johnson and Republican leadership understood my concerns with the expiration of the UFA and worked to extend it another 7 years in the appropriations package coming to the floor for a vote this week."

The UFA, signed into law by President Reagan in 1988, aims to restrict the manufacture, sale, and possession of firearms with less than 3.7 oz of metal content. Lawler emphasized the importance of this legislation in ensuring public safety, particularly at high-profile events in New York, stating, "The UFA is a common-sense gun safety measure that ensures folks who go to a Knicks or Rangers game at Madison Square Garden, a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium, a Mets game at Citi Field, or any major sporting event or concert in New York are kept safe from undetectable firearms."

Lawler concluded, "The extension of the UFA is a welcome move for New Yorkers, and indeed, the nation."

The Undetectable Firearms Act has received bipartisan support in its renewals over the years, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing security measures. New York's 17th Congressional District, represented by Congressman Lawler, encompasses areas north of New York City, including Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.