On the recordJanuary 11, 2016
I rise with a sense of concern, of sadness, and, also, of relief regarding the heinous shooting of the Philadelphia police officer. I am grateful that he managed to survive, that he is in the hospital, and that he is healing. We wish him and his family well and that he, as well, will heal. I think it is important to note that we need to look at the rage of gun violence from a sensible and logical perspective. Yes, the President's proposals would have had an impact on this crazed, allegedly ISIL-inspired individual who had no direct contact with ISIL, who had not been to the caliphate to fight, and who, unfortunately, had a previous criminal record. How would the proposals do so? First of all, it was a stolen gun. The President has suggested there be 200 more ATF officers to enforce the law. He has provided $500 million for mental health resources, and this individual suffered from that. In addition, he has provided for data collection, for the FBI to redo and to make more certain the inspection or the review of someone who is trying to get a gun. Mr. Speaker, let's look logically at what the President has offered, and let's not get in the way. Let's try to help stem the tide of gun violence so that our officers, as well, are not in the line of fire. ____________________
