Blaine Luetkemeyer: “Question: How does the Federal Government get rid of an industry it doesn't like? Answer: Simple, it cuts off that…”

“Question: How does the Federal Government get rid of an industry it doesn't like? Answer: Simple, it cuts off that industry from the financial services sector. Sounds impossible, doesn't it? However, that is exactly what the Department of Justice is doing in conjunction with the FDIC right now. Their name for this action is called Operation Choke Point. It is designed to force legally operating entities out of business by choking them off from the financial services they need to operate their businesses. What started with nondepository lenders has spread to other industries, including pawn shops, tobacco retailers, and the firearms and ammunition industries, to name just a few, as well as the businesses that provide services and products to these industries. This amendment would ensure that Operation Choke Point is ended and that the DOJ returns to their proper job, targeting companies based on fraudulent actions, not entire industries based on political motive. An identical amendment was offered by a bipartisan group of lawmakers during fiscal year 2015 debate, and it was passed by voice vote. This isn't a partisan issue. This is an issue of DOJ abusing its authorities. I urge support for this amendment. I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams).”