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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release June 14, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Earlier today in a speech in New Orleans, the Vice President commented on a Department of Treasury and Department of Justice report on the easy availability and wide-spread use of handguns by 18 to 20 year olds.

Today, 18 to 20 year olds can legally buy handguns from gun shows, friends, neighbors, private collectors and other unlicensed sellers; however, it is the case that they may not legally purchase handguns from federally licensed gun shops and pawnshops.

While some gun advocates may find this distinction important, the fact remains that under current law 18 to 20 year olds can legally purchase handguns in many places, and can legally possess handguns, regardless of where they obtained them. The Vice President strongly believes that we should close this loophole by making it generally illegal for 18 to 20 year olds to possess handguns.

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