[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MANDATORY GUN SHOW BACKGROUND CHECK ACT

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                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2122) to 
     require background checks at gun shows, and for other 
     purposes:

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to 
this amendment. Many of us here in Congress are working to keep guns 
out of the hands of criminals. But if this amendment is approved, it 
will do just the opposite because it will give law enforcement 
officials less time to complete background checks at gun shows. It is a 
step backward.
  This amendment is ineffective and is riddled with loopholes. It would 
weaken existing laws and put the safety of law enforcement officials 
and every person in this nation at risk. It is no coincidence that the 
gun lobby supports this measure.
  It would be a sad commentary on the state of Congress if the gun 
lobby is successful in strong-arming members of Congress to support 
this measure. Should this amendment pass, American families will soon 
find out that the gun lobby, with its deep pockets, calls the shots in 
the U.S. House of Representatives.
  I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and support the 
McCarthy/Roukema/Blagojevich amendment and other measures that will be 
offered during this debate. We must put the safety and security of our 
children ahead of the interests of the gun lobby.
  These measures include the sale of child-safety locks with each 
handgun, instant background checks at gun shows, and the importation 
ban of ammunition magazines with a capacity of ten or more rounds of 
ammunition.
  This is what a majority of our constituents want and it is the duty 
of Congress to respond to their outcry.

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