Alcee Hastings: “I am pleased and privileged at this time to yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr.…”

“I am pleased and privileged at this time to yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), my colleague on the Committee on Rules. Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, I oppose this closed rule and the underlying bill. This bill demonstrates how much of a stranglehold that the NRA and gun industry lobbyists have over the majority party. This bill is not being considered today because it is good policy; it is being considered because the majority leadership is bowing down to special interests. While the proponents of this bill claim that the intent of this legislation is to protect jobs at mom-and-pop gun stores from reckless lawsuits, the truth is that the bill is all about protecting profits for the gun industry. Ensuring its yearly profits, not protecting jobs nor safeguarding gun sales, is atop the priorities of the gun industry. This bill protects any gun manufacturer, distributor, or seller from any claim of negligence. Any lawsuit, current or future, would not be considered by the courts if this bill were signed into law. Madam Speaker, on Christmas Eve in 1999, in my hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts, 26-year-old Danny Guzman was shot and killed. A week later, police recovered the 9 millimeter Kahr Arms handgun used to kill young Danny.…”