Dear Mr. Speaker, Senators Schumer and McConnell, and Representative Jeffries,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to urge Congress to reauthorize the Undetectable Firearms Act (UFA) as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) or another legislative vehicle before it expires on 2 February 2024.
The UFA was first passed in 1988 and has been reauthorized three times, most recently in 2013. The law prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, shipment, delivery, possession, transfer, or receipt of any firearms that cannot be detected by walk-through metal detectors or that have a major component that is not accurately shown on x-ray machines commonly used in airports. If the UFA is not reauthorized, we risk putting the safety of the public at grave risk. Law enforcement officers across the country, at every level of government, rely on security screening devices to be able to detect firearms at large public gatherings, airports, and government buildings, and in protection of our government officials. These security measures would be rendered meaningless if firearms designed to defeat metal detectors and x-rays became available to the general public. It will be impossible for law enforcement and security forces to protect air travelers, public events, and public buildings.
On behalf of the more than 373,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I urge Congress to take whatever steps are necessary to make sure the Undetectable Firearms Act is reauthorized. If I can provide any additional information in support of this legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President