[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

  (Mr. THOMPSON of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, more than 80 percent of NRA 
members and over 80 percent of gun owners support background checks. It 
is because they are responsible gun owners. Responsible gun owners 
understand that there is nothing wrong with making sure that a 
prospective gun buyer isn't a terrorist, a criminal, a domestic abuser, 
or dangerously mentally ill.
  Our first line of defense when it comes to making sure that guns 
don't fall into dangerous hands is to conduct a background check. But 
sadly, a gaping loophole allows those same felons, domestic abusers, 
and fugitives to bypass a background check in 34 States by going online 
or to a gun show.
  That is why it is long past time for the Republican leadership to 
allow a vote on H.R. 1217, bipartisan, pro-Second Amendment legislation 
to require background checks for all commercial gun sales. This debate 
isn't a choice between respecting the Second Amendment or reducing gun 
violence.
  As a responsible gun owner, I am tired of it being framed that way. 
It is about this Congress doing both. Mr. Speaker, give us a vote.

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