(Long Island, NY) Yesterday afternoon the Republican majority in the House of Representatives once again demonstrated that its tough talk on terrorism is just that – talk.
With an opportunity to close the loophole that allows those on the FBI’s Terrorist Watch List to legally buy guns, every House Republican – including the NY State delegation – punted, refusing to allow a vote on H.R. 1076, the bipartisan King-Lofgren Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act. By blocking the vote, House Republicans showed that their allegiance to the NRA and the corporate gun lobby is stronger than their duty to ensure the safety and security of the American people.
The Terrorist Watchlist loophole has allowed more than 2,000 terrorist suspects to purchase firearms over the last 11 years. During that time, more than 90% of those on the Watchlist who set out to purchase a firearm have been able to do so. Leah Gunn Barrett, NYAGV Executive Director, said, “With yesterday’s vote, House Republicans have failed in their sworn duty to protect public safety. These are the same members who have opposed allowing Syrian refugee families into this country on the spurious grounds that they are terrorists. The irony is that they apparently see nothing wrong in allowing suspected terrorists already in the country to walk into any gun store and legally purchase any firearm, including a military-purposed assault rifle.”
Barrett continued, “Closing this dangerous loophole is a no-brainer. Protecting Americans from suspected terrorists is not a partisan issue. All Americans must demand that Congress stop its shameless pandering to the craven firearms industry and allow this bill to not only come to a vote but to pass.”
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York State residents from gun violence.
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