A Call for Meaningful Action on Gun Violence

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise to call for meaningful action on gun violence. The key word in that sentence is ``meaningful.''

The tragedy in Orlando served as a dark wake-up call to all Americans. Across the Nation, in every major city, to every small town, Americans are speaking with one voice saying: ``Enough is enough.''

The American people are demanding a no fly, no buy bill that prevents those on the terror watch list from purchasing firearms.

How have Republicans responded?

They have put together a weak, unworkable, and convoluted bill that will not address the real problem.
Imagine, under this legislation, law enforcement must convince a court within 72 hours that the buyer ``has committed or will commit an act of terrorism'' before it could block a gun sale.

Is this your idea of homeland security? Really? Is this how you protect the homeland?

Mr. Speaker, the standard is simply unreachable and unworkable. Now, one has to wonder where Republicans got such an unfeasible idea.

The answer is as simple as it is sad. The NRA, which represents large weapon manufacturers, wrote this legislation. We need a real, effective no fly, no buy bill that stops those on the terrorist watch list from purchasing firearms. The Republican legislation is simply a giveaway to the NRA that will hobble law enforcement. We also need a system of effective, universal background checks that keeps guns out of the hands of those who would do us harm.

Once again, House Republicans are standing in the way. They are preventing consideration of this measure that is supported by 90 percent of the American people. Why? Just to keep their friends in the NRA lobby happy with them. Why? Follow the money.

Mr. Speaker, this is unconscionable. The week after the Orlando slaughter, I read on this floor the names of the victims. At that time, I said that while we will never forget them, their memory will inspire us to real change. But this is not real change. We do not honor the victims of Orlando by passing legislation written by the NRA and gun manufacturing lobbyists. In fact, if anything, this legislation is an insult to the intelligence of the American people. Well, I have news for you. The American people see through this, and they are not buying it.

I urge my colleagues: do what is right. Reject this unworkable NRA- backed trick so that we can vote on real, meaningful legislation to address gun violence in this country.

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