While the war of words between Rep. Todd Tiahrt of Kansas and his hometown paper continues, the House and Senate are both moving to consider the appropriations bill containing controversial language that restricts law enforcement access to vital data on illegal trafficking in firearms.

But the Wichita Eagle is not alone. Numerous newspapers have written editorials calling for the removal of this harmful restriction. Most point out that undercover officers and ongoing investigations have always been protected, and that the release of crime-gun trace data has never compromised an investigation or jeopardized an undercover officer.

Here are the most recent editorials against keeping crime-gun trace data secret:

• Philadelphia Daily News: Un-cuff law enforcement
• Wichita Eagle: How do Tiahrt restrictions protect cops?
• New York Times: Why Protect Shady Gun Dealers?
• Bowling Green Daily News: Police need records of guns at crime scenes
• New York Times: Silence on Guns