At hearing about ATF program, Issa mutes witness for promoting gun law reforms :: 06/17/2011

The head of the House Oversight committee muted one of his invited witnesses on Wednesday for testifying in favor of tougher gun laws.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said an ATF official's promotion of gun reform fell "outside the scope" of the hearing and "would not be considered valid testimony."

Appearing before the panel, Peter Forcelli, a special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), told lawmakers that straw purchasers - those who buy guns on behalf of others - should be hit with stiffer penalties to discourage gun trafficking.

"I think perhaps a mandatory minimum one-year sentence might deter an individual from buying a gun," Forcelli said.

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