[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 5, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
(Mr. BEYER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the NRA-
authored H.R. 4237, the so-called Protect America Act.
Mr. Speaker, how does this legislation protect America from gun
violence? This bill would do nothing to close the terror gap that
currently allows suspected terrorists to legally buy guns. This bill
would do nothing to address our anemic background check system that
allows up to 40 percent of all firearm transfers to proceed without a
background check. And this bill will do nothing to keep guns out of the
hands of the dangerously mentally ill.
Mr. Speaker, there are steps that Congress can take to keep guns out
of the hands of dangerous people and to keep Americans safe from gun
violence. Unfortunately, the Protect America Act would accomplish
neither.
This body should be concerned with protecting Americans from gun
violence, not protecting its Members from tough votes.
Mr. Speaker, let the people's House vote on real, meaningful,
commonsense legislation that would keep our constituents safe.
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