Van Hollen Signs Discharge Petition to Force Vote to Prevent Terrorists from Purchasing Guns

Press Release

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen signed a discharge petition to force an immediate vote on the bipartisan Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015. Congressman Van Hollen joined Congressman Peter King (R-NY) in introducing the legislation in February, which would close the dangerous loophole that allows suspected terrorists on the FBI's Terrorist Watchlist to legally buy deadly weapons.

"If the FBI deems someone unsafe to board a commercial flight, it's insane to think that they'd be allowed to purchase a gun. But that's the sad and dangerous reality thanks to the NRA's extreme agenda that benefits wealthy gun manufacturers at the expense of safety in our communities," said Congressman Van Hollen. "Democrats and Republicans have come together to support this common-sense measure to protect our communities, and Speaker Ryan should stop bowing to the NRA and let us vote without delay."

Congressman Van Hollen has long supported efforts to prevent those on the terrorist watch list from purchasing guns, fighting liability exemptions for gun dealers back in 2005 and consistently supporting legislation to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. He also supports legislation to restore the ban on assault weapons.

According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, since 2004, more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI's Terrorist Watchlist have successfully purchased weapons in the United States. More than 90 percent of all suspected terrorists who attempted to purchase guns in the last 11 years walked away with the weapon they wanted, with just 190 rejected despite their ominous histories.

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