On the recordDecember 9, 2015
I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I am appalled that Republicans are continuing to ignore the calls that Mr. Thompson has led to bring up my good friend from New York, Republican Peter King's bipartisan bill to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists. It is remarkable enough that individuals on the terrorist watch list are able to freely purchase weapons in this country, weapons that could then be turned against innocent Americans. In fact, the GAO report showed that over the last 10 years, 90 percent of the people on the terrorist watch list who wanted to buy a weapon passed a background check. That is simply outrageous. {time} 1530 But it is extraordinary that, knowing of this truly absurd policy, Republicans refuse to bring Mr. King of New York's aptly named Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act. Mr. Chairman, protecting our Nation from its enemies motivates my work here in Congress, as it should motivate all of us. That Members on the other side of the aisle are in such thrall to gun advocates that they would place their political aspirations above our national security shocks the conscience. This cannot be. Mr. Chairman, I hope you will see Mr. King's worthy bill on the floor without delay
