Week in Review by Dan Hassert and Robert White

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The mayors have also figured out that a lot of the guns used in crimes on their streets have come from retail stores, which theoretically are off-limits to convicted criminals. It stands to reason. Bad guys aren't out there making guns, and there are only so many stolen weapons available on the black market. Moreover, investigations have repeatedly shown that most stores that sell guns comply fully with federal licensing and other regulations. It's only a handful of retailers who are selling the bulk of the weapons that make it onto the streets.

But every year, congressional leaders allow a rider to be attached to an appropriations bill, limiting the ability of cities and local police departments to track the source of weapons used in crimes.

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