Jack Quinn: “I rise in opposition to the rule. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this rule. This past Christmas, four…”

“I rise in opposition to the rule. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this rule. This past Christmas, four bombs exploded in western New York killing five people. The individuals responsible for these heinous acts were able to purchase these explosives because of a loophole in Federal explosives law, a loophole that allows anyone to walk in and purchase explosives with any valid ID. A loophole that could be closed today by an amendment I have to offer. But sadly, that's not going to happen. Mr. Speaker, my amendment is supported by the Institute of Makers of Explosives, National Rifle Association, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The amendment is based on legislation I had already introduced which bipartisan support. My amendment would require a Federal permit for certain explosives transactions and require a photograph and fingerprints to be taken when applying for a Federal permit. I offered my amendment and testified before the Rules Committee. However, my amendment was not made in order. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is not controversial. What it does is save lives. Why can't we have a vote on my amendment?”