[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 17, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S2699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             GUN AMENDMENTS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Later today the Senate will begin to consider 
amendments to legislation that deals with one of our most fundamental 
constitutional rights as citizens. There are many different 
perspectives on this issue, and passions are high on all sides. That is 
why I would urge the majority to allow the full and open amendment 
process we were told the Senate would have. Today's votes are a very 
good start. The American people deserve the opportunity to be heard on 
this matter. We should respect that. So let's approach this debate in 
the spirit of transparency that the American people expect.
  In my view, we should focus on keeping firearms out of the hands of 
the criminals and those with mental issues that could cause them to be 
a threat to our society. The government should not punish or harass 
law-abiding citizens in the exercise of their Second Amendment rights. 
It is that focus on protecting communities and preserving our 
constituents' constitutional rights that will be my guide as we begin 
to vote on amendments on this bill.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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