Rockefeller Urges Support for Manchin-Toomey Amendment

Statement

Senator Jay Rockefeller today released the following statement urging bipartisan Senate support for the Manchin-Toomey amendment, which would close the "gun show loophole" by requiring commercial sales at gun shows and over the Internet to undergo background checks.

"The options are before us: take a stand and pass reasonable legislation that starts to keep guns out of dangerous hands, or do nothing for the children whose lives have been cut unimaginably short, for the parents, siblings and classmates who will forever ache, and for those we just might be able to save. I urge my Senate colleagues to support the Manchin-Toomey amendment, which takes a smart first step by closing a loophole that can and does put firearms in the hands of criminals and those who might do harm. There is a lot of misinformation about this amendment, and Senator Manchin has made clear that this amendment protects Second Amendment rights and responsible gun owners. Let's get past the flat-out lies and scare tactics. And let's pass this important provision that could pave the way for meaningful gun safety legislation that protects our proud traditions while moving us earnestly toward a safer America."

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