Washington (June 23, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today after voting to move forward with debate on a compromise gun proposal negotiated by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) that would prevent suspected terrorists on the ‘No-Fly” list from purchasing guns and explosives. Senator Markey yesterday participated in the historic sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives after Republican leadership refused to hold votes on gun safety legislation in the wake of the Orland mass shooting.

“The NRA and its Republican cronies have shown they will stop at nothing to keep Congress from voting on commonsense gun safety legislation. But the Orlando shooting has given rise to a movement on the floors of Congress, and we will not stop until we enact laws that will help prevent these mass shootings. The vast majority of the American people support legislation to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists. The vast majority of America people support expanding background checks. The will of the American people to take action will be done.

“Republicans are on the wrong side of history when it comes to gun violence prevention. When John Lewis leads a protest, you know a sea change is coming.  It is time for Republican leadership stop hiding behind parliamentary maneuvers and move forward with real votes on gun safety measures. I call on Senator McConnell to allow an up-or-down vote on the compromise legislation negotiated by Senator Collins.”

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