Chuck Schumer

I understand you have made some progress in getting Federal agencies to improve their reporting to the NICS database.

I am troubled, to say the least, that the Department has not been able to do this yet.

I intend to push to make sure the penalties available under NICS are not viewed as empty threats.

I cannot sit idly by while that happens each day, and I know that you will not either.

Please honor that unity by putting politics aside and working together to fix our broken background check system.

The majority of Americans, the majority of Tucsonans, and the majority of gun owners want common-sense laws that protect Second Amendment rights.

I am here today: to ask that you pass the Fix Gun Checks bill, which will save lives, maybe the life of someone you love.

Make sure the records of all persons who should not be allowed to buy guns are in the background check system.

We will take that under advisement, but somehow we will work something out so we certainly put into the record what you have talked about.

I am concerned about the resurgence of the efforts to make concealed-carry permits legal across State lines.

Thank you, Mr. Feinblatt, and thank you for the good job you do in New York City helping us fight crime.

The last bill I think was a large improvement. It was bipartisan, as you mentioned, passed unanimously.

I took the lead in drafting improvements to NICS to increase incentives of States to get their records into the system.

I have worked hard to make sure that the National Instant Criminal Background Check System was enacted, implemented, and in place.

I would like to know whether you and the Department are working on this policy to make sure all relevant records from Federal agencies are, in fact, getting into the NICS.

How much more pain, how much more sorrow, how many more deaths by guns must we endure before we do something?

It would be a pitiful shame if no action were taken to change the future.

I truly believe with all my heart that your actions can save lives.

No amendment is absolute. Reasonable limitations are placed on the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments, and should be. So should they be on the Second Amendment.

I want to thank so many who came here. We understand your anguish.

Is there a chance we can get this Reno memo undone?

I would like for DOJ to be able to come up with estimates, even if they have to be explained and qualified, of compliance by State.

Require every gun buyer to pass a background check, no matter where he or she buys the gun.

Did you say 400,000?

I do not want there to be any more 'what ifs.'