Political Quotes

“I thank my good friend for yielding me the time. Madam Speaker, this rule fails to make in order four significant measures to address the gun violence epidemic that is plaguing our Nation. In addition to closing the gun show and internet sale loopholes in the background check system, lifting the prohibition on Federal research into gun violence, and creating a process to prevent dangerous individuals from having firearms, the amendment includes my legislation to close the Charleston loophole, which allows gun sales to be completed even if FBI investigations are still going on to determine the outcome of a background check. The tragic consequences of this loophole were demonstrated on June 17, 2015, when a hate-filled gunman opened fire at the historic Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine and injuring three others. In that fateful instance, the shooter attempted to buy a firearm on April 11 and was initially delayed due to possible red flags in his criminal record. Despite the investigation not being completed in 3 days, he was allowed to purchase the weapon. The FBI later discovered the shooter would not have been allowed to purchase the firearm due to his documented history of drug abuse had they been able to complete the background check. Madam Speaker, the consequences are too great to allow loopholes like these to persist.…”