Yvette Clarke: “I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1446, the Enhanced…”

“I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021. Under current Federal law, unlicensed sellers can sell guns at gun shows, online, and person to person without conducting any background check on the purchaser. This loophole has dangerous consequences for our communities. In fact, up to 80 percent of firearms used for criminal purposes are obtained without a background check. I am reminded of my time on the New York City Council where I witnessed the murder of my colleague and dear friend, Councilman James E. Davis. Just earlier this week, a gunman opened fire on two police officers in my district, hitting one officer in the chest and another in the leg. Guns are not manufactured in Brooklyn, New York. Time and time again we have been shaken to the core and heartbroken by the news of another shooting in our communities that we call home.”