Slaughter Forces Vote on Closing Terrorist Gun Loophole

Press Release

As House Republicans continue to protect suspected terrorists' ability to buy lethal firearms through a legal loophole, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter today used her position as ranking member on the House Rules Committee to offer an amendment that would close the terrorist gun loophole. Rep. Slaughter's amendment would have forced a vote on HR 1076, a bill written by Republican Peter King to close the dangerous loophole that allows suspected terrorists on the FBI's Terrorist Watchlist to legally buy deadly weapons. Over the last 11 years, more than 2,000 suspected terrorists have purchased deadly weapons despite being on the FBI's watchlist. The amendment was defeated on a party-line vote.

"There is a disturbing loophole in our laws that allows suspected terrorists to walk into a store and legally purchase firearms. Over the last 11 years, this dangerous loophole has allowed more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI's Terrorist Watchlist to buy guns in the United States. In fact, more than 90 percent--nearly all--of the suspected terrorists who attempted to purchase a gun walked away with the gun they wanted," said Rep. Slaughter. "In the wake of the tragedies in San Bernardino and Paris, it is imperative that Congress comes together to close this deadly loophole and keep weapons out of the hands of suspected terrorists."

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