Gun Violence
Floor Speech
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Mr. REID. Mr. President, I am encouraged by the dialogue on gun safety that is taking place in the Senate now. Democrats and Republicans are working together to find solutions to protect Americans from gun violence. The obvious first step is to keep guns and explosives out of the hands of suspected terrorists and criminals. That is why it is imperative that the Senate call up legislation to get a vote.
The amendment from the senior Senator from Maine has bipartisan support and, at the very least, is a step in the right direction. The State of Maine has a reputation for bipartisanship. I can remember when President Obama was first elected, when we did the American Recovery Act--the stimulus. We had 57 or 58 Democratic Senators. I needed help in order to get that passed. Where did I look first? The State of Maine, Senator Collins and Senator Snowe. They always came through. The reason we were able to pass the Recovery Act is because of the State of Maine's senatorial representation.
So it should be no surprise to anyone that the senior Senator from Maine is working on a bipartisan basis, and while her legislation at this stage, in my mind, is not perfect, it is a step in the right direction.
I am concerned with the Collins amendment for a number of reasons, and the Justice Department also has concerns. They are worried about provisions within the legislation. But as we speak, bipartisan discussions continue to resolve these matters.
But there is no question that the Senate should vote on legislation that keeps guns away from suspected terrorists. So I appreciate the good work of Senator Collins.
Of course, it wouldn't be fair to talk about the State of Maine without talking about Angus King--what a terrific Senator. The State of Maine should be so proud of this guy, as I know they are, based on his record as having been elected as Governor and other things in the State of Maine.
I know the National Rifle Association is whipping its followers into a frenzy about this legislation--the Collins bipartisan legislation. They are going crazy about it. That is disappointing but not surprising.
Almost every American agrees that suspected terrorists should not be able to purchase firearms and explosives. The Republican leader should ignore the desperate pleas from the NRA and bring Senator Collins' amendment to the floor for a vote.
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