Henry Waxman: “I am here on the floor to present a different amendment. But I listened to the debate on this, and I am really amazed.…”

“I am here on the floor to present a different amendment. But I listened to the debate on this, and I am really amazed. This House voted overwhelming to require v-chips on television sets so parents can protect their children from improper programming. But it would be absurd to do that and then say we are not going to at least have a gun lock to protect children who may pick up a gun and use it inappropriately, use it out of ignorance. So I want to join you in opposing this amendment. I see nothing wrong with a gun lock. I do not think that means people want to take away the guns or anything else, just to make sure that it is locked so if it gets in the hands of a child, that the child will not use it, kill someone or do harm to other children and members of the family. We do have requirements of locks on all sorts of products in order to protect children. I think the rule that is in effect ought to be allowed to be continued without this amendment stopping it. Mrs. McCARTHY. Mr. Chairman, with that being said, you have to remember, we are not forcing anyone to use the lock. We are trying to educate them to save lives. It is a commonsense law. Hopefully, everybody will oppose this amendment.”