Scarnati Upset with Shutdown of Instant Background Checks

WARREN—Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati is encouraging the Rendell Administration to reconsider plans to halt instant background checks for gun purchases in early September.

"This is a slap in the face to the law-abiding citizens of the Commonwealth who wish to purchase a gun during this time," Scarnati stated. "I am concerned that this is just another attempt by liberals from Philadelphia to limit the rights of gun owners and those who wish to become a gun owner. Effort should be focused on ensuring the effectiveness of the system, not the concentration of shutting it down."

According to Scarnati, September 2 through September 6, the Pennsylvania State Police have scheduled a shutdown of the Pennsylvania Instant Check System. During this time gun purchases in Pennsylvania will be suspended and thousands of citizens will be adversely affected.

"Clearly, the Administration could not have picked a poorer time to upgrade their computer system," Scarnati added. "This is an extremely busy time of year for retailers and sportsmen, and efforts should be made to continue the instant background checks."

"We have a system in this Commonwealth that provides for the purchase of guns by citizens who work through the process," Scarnati concluded. "To hurt gun owners, retailers, and sportsmen by arbitrarily shutting down this system is unwarranted and inexcusable."