Burgess Owens: “Thank you, Mr. Garamendi. Mr. Speaker, this is a difficult decision, a difficult choice, and likely one that does not…”

“Thank you, Mr. Garamendi. Mr. Speaker, this is a difficult decision, a difficult choice, and likely one that does not have a good or better outcome than what we can propose today. I think the American people need to understand that, as we act today, many of us do with reluctance. I will vote in support of Mr. McKeon's amendment, but I do so very reluctantly. I have fear that what we face is a situation in which we will arm folks who subsequently will take negative action against us; however, when weighing the consequences of taking no action, as many of my colleagues have indicated, I think we have no choice but to move forward as this amendment is recommending and the President has requested. I also believe that we are taking back in Congress power that has drifted over many years to the President, irrespective of what party he is in--or she may be in, in the future--and I think that this is an important constitutional step that we should all support. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. King), my friend and colleague.”