On July 31, 1990, Williams, as Philadelphia Police Commissioner, testified before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, 101st Congress, 2nd Session on "The Increase of Homicides In Our Nation" also known as "Murder Rates: Why The Recent Rise?" In his testimony, Williams stated in part: "We must prevent the ready availability of handguns in America. It is for this reason, that I fully support the 'Brady' legislation which would require a seven-day waiting period when purchasing a handgun. Currently, there is a three-day waiting period to purchase a handgun in Philadelphia and a two-day waiting period across the rest of Pennsylvania.