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THE WHITE HOUSE

                     Office of the Press Secretary
         (Aboard Air Force One en route to Seattle, Washington)
________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                       May 14, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I am deeply disappointed that, by the narrowest of margins, the Senate has refused to close the gun show loophole while creating other dangerous loopholes to our gun laws. If the Senate's decision is left to stand, it will be easier for criminals to get guns and harder for law enforcement to do its job. Criminals will be able to get guns at gun shows and pawn shops, no questions asked, and federal law enforcement won't be able to ensure gun sellers' compliance with laws or to trace firearms later used in crimes. If the Senate wants to do right by the American people, it will once again bring up the Lautenberg amendment, when all members are present, and close the gun show loophole once and for all.

30-30-30