Norma Torres: “It is true that parts and components for military equipment have been moved to the CCL. However, none of the items…”

“It is true that parts and components for military equipment have been moved to the CCL. However, none of the items previously transferred from the USML to the CCL were complete weapons that would allow a soldier to aim and fire on a target. The Obama administration did not move, or even propose to move, firearms and ammunition. They saw what happened at Newtown and knew that we needed to be cautious about these weapons. If the administration's proposal goes through, it would be the first time that the Commerce Department was put in charge of licensing for lethal weapons designed to kill people. This is not business as usual. Voting ``yes'' on this amendment will prevent this administration from going beyond what the Obama administration chose to do by ensuring that exports of firearms and ammunition remain under the jurisdiction of the State Department, with congressional oversight. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”