Chuck Schumer: “Whatever we think of the bill that is before us, and there are a lot of opinions, the rule proves one thing: The…”

“Whatever we think of the bill that is before us, and there are a lot of opinions, the rule proves one thing: The Republican leadership is scared of the NRA. We already know the Republican Party opposes reasonable measures against gun violence, but now they are saying we cannot even talk about it. The Republicans want to make guns a four-letter word on the House floor, no discussion allowed. Their whole legislative strategy is built around a single objective of preventing the House from even voting on gun safety measures. When we are talking about youth violence, Mr. Speaker, there is nothing more relevant than guns. The reason juvenile crime is so much more violent today than ever before is because youth gangs are so well armed. Back in the 1960's, there was plenty of anxiety and plenty of gangs and plenty of young men on the streets angry, but all they had was their fists and people did not come home in coffins and in body bags. Now guns in many of our cities are everywhere. We are refusing to even debate that issue.”