Mike Thompson: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. Mr. Chair, first, I thank Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Nadler for their support. Gun violence is a true national emergency, and I am glad that we are moving so early in this Congress to address this crisis. Mr. Chair, I also thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who recognize the importance of passing this legislation, Representatives King, Fitzpatrick, Mast, Upton, and Smith, who stand with more than 90 percent of Americans who support universal background checks. {time} 1245 This bill will require a background check on all firearm sales and most transfers. Mr. Chairman, I am a lifelong gun owner. I am a hunter and I support the Second Amendment. If this bill did anything to erode the rights of lawful gun owners, I wouldn't support it and it wouldn't have my name on it. Background checks work. Every day, they stop 170 felons and 50 domestic abusers from getting a gun from a licensed dealer. But, in some States, those same people can go into a gun show or go online and buy a gun without a background check. This bill will help stop them from doing so. Some will argue that criminals won't follow the law. If that is the case, then why do we have laws against murder? People still commit murder. Why do we have laws against stealing? People still steal. This is flawed logic, and don't fall for it.…”