Congress is set to go to break in less than 2 short weeks, however, it looks like that won’t be before they have a vote on gun control.
The Undetectable Firearms Act, which was first passed in 1988, makes plastic guns, or any guns that are undetectable to a metal detector, illegal.
The ban on these types of guns is currently up for renewal. There is heightened interest in the renewing the ban due to the very quick progression of 3D printing technology. Several individuals and companies have already made firearms using 3D printers.
However, most of the current 3D printed designs use metal somewhere in the design. Those that don’t, generally don’t last very long due to the fact that plastic can’t hold up to the pressures produced by a gunshot. Not to mention the fact that bullets are, you know, still metal.
According to Fox News,
The measure to renew it, sponsored by Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C., would prohibit the manufacture of plastic weapons, which can’t be detected when going through security at airports and other metal detectors. There has been growing concern over the emergence of 3D printing, which can now create some operable plastic guns and other weapons.
The bill will need a two-thirds majority to pass the House.
Last week, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., as well as other Republicans, blocked the Senate from considering the renewal. The bill in the Senate was brought up by Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer of New York, Bill Nelson of Florida and Patrick Leahy, of Vermont.
If The Undetectable Firearms Act is not renewed, it will expire on December 9th.
Source: by Dan Cannon, GSL