STATEMENT OF MAYORS AGAINST ILLEGAL GUNS CO-CHAIRS ON THE DEFEAT OF THE THUNE AMENDMENT

Statement of co-chair Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York

"The defeat of the Thune Amendment is a major victory for the right of states to set their own public safety laws and for the bi-partisan coalition of Mayor's Against Illegal Guns.  The vast majority of states have set minimum requirements for obtaining a permit to carry a concealed gun, and Congress should respect those laws instead of trying to usurp them.

"I want to thank all the mayors who stood up and spoke out, and all the Senators who opposed this intrusive and destructive bill, particularly Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.  This victory allows our cities to continue our effective strategies for driving down crime and keeping illegal guns off our streets."

Statement of co-chair Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston

"Our bi-partisan coalition of Mayors Against Illegal Guns fought this amendment tooth-and-nail, because we recognize that the laws of one state may not be best for another.

"Three years ago this network of mayors agreed on the need for commonsense policies on illegal guns. Since its founding, the group has grown from just 15 mayors to 450 in over 40 states, and on this issue our voices were heard. This is an important victory for this group and we will continue to work with our members to support commonsense policies and oppose dangerous ones, like the Thune Amendment that was defeated today."