Charles E. Schumer: “I thank the gentleman, and first want to thank our chairman for his fairness, and my colleagues on that side of the…”

“I thank the gentleman, and first want to thank our chairman for his fairness, and my colleagues on that side of the aisle, for what I consider an excellent debate on both sides of the aisle. Let me say to my colleagues that as I have studied this issue, the gun control issue, I realize it is not a simple one. We are concerned, greatly concerned, about the killing on our streets and the easy availability of guns. I also have come to understand that in large parts of this country having a gun, being able to go out and hunt, having a gun to protect your home, target shooting, all of that is very important to a way of life. That is why this debate is a debate that goes back and forth in this Chamber. That is why on so many issues, many of us internally are deeply divided. But I would argue to my colleagues, particularly those who are undecided because those who have not made up their minds yet will determine the outcome today, I would say that this legislation, this particular narrowly crafted and very limited bill, the balance is in its favor.”