Jane Harman: “September 13 was an important date for Congress. It marked the expiration of the decade-old Assault Weapons Ban. Police…”

“September 13 was an important date for Congress. It marked the expiration of the decade-old Assault Weapons Ban. Police Chiefs across the country strongly encouraged the extension of this ban. President Bush even announced he would sign an extension if Congress presented him with the opportunity. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership did not deem the ban fit for a vote. Instead, Congress squanders valuable time voting on matters that either have no bearing on the real work at hand or are designed as divisive wedge issues. Just yesterday the House voted to repeal the District of Columbia's 28-year-old assault weapons ban and to prohibit the DC Government from enacting such laws in the future. That was yesterday, Mr. Speaker. Today, the House, in another profile in courage, will devote valuable time to one of the most divisive of wedge issues--a vote on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Are these the most pressing issues of the day for Congress? For the American people? Of course not. Al Qaeda will not stop at the borders of Washington, DC, in fear of our newly armed city, but tourists and other visitors might. And DC residents, Members of Congress and their families will be at greater risk. Nor will our ports, railways, airports, and other critical infrastructure be more secure because we waste time on what is certain to be a failed Federal effort to ban gay marriage.”