[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MANDATORY GUN SHOW BACKGROUND CHECK ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               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 support of the 
McCarthy/Roukema/Blagojevich amendment. Common sense dictates that we, 
as representatives of the American people, support this measure.
  This amendment is not about taking rights away from law abiding 
citizens. It is about closing a loophole in the law that gives 
criminals a free pass at gunshows. This amendment would provide law 
enforcement officials with the same three business days to conduct 
background checks at gunshows that they are now given when guns are 
bought in stores. This amendment would go a long way in ensuring that 
guns stay out of the hands of criminals.
  The American people demand action from this House of Representatives. 
Mothers and fathers are demanding action to protect the most vulnerable 
among us, our children, from the onslaught of gun violence that is 
taking the lives of 13 of them each day. They are telling us that 
``It's the guns--stupid.''
  How many more children will be lost before Congress gets the message? 
How many more mothers will have to suffer before we act?
  The American people are watching. We cannot shy away from our 
responsibility. We must rise to the occasion and pass meaningful gun 
safety legislation that will help end the cycle of violence.

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