Calls for immediate vote on Senator Feinstein’s bill that would prevent individuals on terrorist watch lists from purchasing guns and explosives
VIDEO: http://bit.ly/1UdSLDn AND http://bit.ly/1W05WHt
Washington (June 15, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined Connecticut Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, along with his Democratic colleagues, in a filibuster on the Senate floor calling for action on gun safety legislation. Taking to the Senate floor twice, Senator Markey specifically requested amendments to close the “terror gap” and expand background checks for gun sales be included in the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science Appropriations bill currently being debated on the Senate floor. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has introduced the “Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015” to prevent individuals and suspected terrorists from purchasing guns and explosives.
Below is an excerpt of his remarks.
“From 2004 to 2014, people on the terror watch lists legally purchased guns more than 2,000 times because the FBI had no authority to block those sales. Senator Feinstein has introduced common sense legislation that I support called the ‘Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015’.
“Republicans continue to willingly follow the National Rifle Association and oppose this widely supported bill. And the NRA has repeatedly opposed and worked to block legislation to close this terror gap. Apparently, they think it’s okay for someone like Omar Mateen to be able to buy an assault weapon with impunity.
“Mark Twain once remarked that ‘common sense is very uncommon.’ He was surely talking about the Senate Republican caucus.
“Today, I call on Senate Republicans to stop their opposition. I call on them to have courage and stand up for what’s right. For the people of Orlando and for all Americans.
“Because I truly believe that on a vote for Senator Feinstein’s bill, if you hold hands with the NRA, Americans will hold you accountable. I hope our Republican colleagues understand that and fear that. Because Americans are tired of living in fear that their community will be the next Orlando.”
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