Rep. McBride and Delawareans Support the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Delaware’s Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE) joined Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) as an original co-sponsor of H.R. 18, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025. This commonsense legislation would create a critical safeguard: ensuring that a background check is performed prior to all firearm purchases across the country.

This legislation introduction comes as communities and leaders across the country observe National Gun Violence Awareness Month, honoring the lives lost and taking action to protect the lives of Americans. 

“Few policies are more urgent and high stakes than gun safety policies,” said Congresswoman Sarah McBride. “Gun violence has become the leading cause of death for American children. That is not freedom—it is failure.

“I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing commonsense legislation to close loopholes. Background checks are a proven mechanism of limiting gun deaths and restricting the sale of firearms to at-risk or dangerous individuals.”

Under current federal law, only licensed gun dealers are required to run a federal background check when selling a gun. This leaves a loophole for the sale of guns by unlicensed gun dealers—such as those sold online. This bill addresses the loophole by requiring a background check for all gun sales. 

Delawarean gun violence prevention activists and advocates celebrated the bill's introduction today.

Dr. Yasser Payne, Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at University of Delaware shared in a statement about the bill, “Gun violence is a lethal crisis that disproportionately impacts communities of color, particularly in Wilmington and urban centers across the country. Failure to act results in serious and deadly consequences, and real reform is essential to ending gun violence. Congresswoman McBride’s support for comprehensive background checks is an important intervention, one grounded in data and equity. Hers is exactly the kind of leadership this moment demands.”

“Too many families across Delaware know the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence,” said Pastor Margaret Guy of Stop the Violence Prayer Chain. "We pray, we mourn, but we must also demand action. Representative McBride’s commitment in working to close background check loopholes reflects Delaware’s values of compassion, accountability, and protecting the innocent. This bill is a step forward, and I am grateful for her courage and conviction.”

“In Delaware, we have seen firsthand how commonsense gun safety laws can save lives—but without federal action, our progress is vulnerable,” said Traci Manza Murphy, Executive Director of Coalition for a Safer Delaware and the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence. “Congresswoman McBride understands that and has always put the safety of our communities first. Her support of this bill matters because it is a critical step forward to protect not just Delawareans, but Americans nationwide. This is a critical step toward closing a deadly loophole, and we are proud to support this push for national action rooted in local urgency.”

Rep. McBride took on the NRA in the Delaware General Assembly, passing the most significant gun safety package in state history. Together with her colleagues, they banned assault weapons, bump stocks, and large-capacity magazines. 

“Sadly, the legislation I fought to pass in the Delaware General Assembly does not protect my neighbors from the threat of firearms crossing state lines,” said Rep. McBride. “The only way to keep illegal and fatal weaponry from entering my home state is for my colleagues and I to act.

“We owe it to every family shattered by gun violence to do more than mourn, but to move. This is not about politics, it is about prevention.”

Consistent with her commitment to work with anyone who will stand up for Delawareans, this marks the 116th piece of bipartisan legislation the Congresswoman has supported this Congress. 

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