U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Republicans Disallowing Vote on the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act

U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Republicans Disallowing Vote on the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement after Republicans in the House of Representatives blocked a vote on H.R. 1076, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act:

“Regrettably but predictably, we saw more of the same from Republicans today. Once again, they blocked a bill that would protect the American people from the scourge of gun violence. Over the last 11 years, more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI Terrorist Watchlist have purchased guns. They cannot board an airplane but they can walk into a store and buy a lethal rifle or handgun. The bipartisan bill that Republicans refused to bring up, the Denying Firearms and Explosive to Dangerous Terrorists Act, would prohibit those on the Terror Watchlist from buying guns. This reasonable, common-sense proposal ran into a conservative wall bolstered by the NRA and other special interest right-wing organizations intent on preventing the improvement of our nation’s gun laws. The Members who refused to bring this bill to a vote are clearly more interested in protecting gun purchases than they are in protecting American lives. Unfortunately, gun laws have not changed much in recent years. In fact, the assault rifles and semi-automatic handguns used to take innocent American lives in San Bernardino were purchased legally under current law.

“As we add San Bernardino to the list of mass shootings, let us remember that we can do more and that we can be safer. And as we remember the lives lost in this unspeakable tragedy, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to finally join Democrats in curbing gun violence in America.”

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