[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 20 (Monday, February 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE 
                     SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

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                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2017

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 
40, disapproving of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) 
rulemaking on the Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act 
of 2007. While I have reservations about the rule, I do not believe the 
Congressional Review Act is the way to fix it.
  Under the rule, individuals with a severe, long-term mental disorder 
who SSA determines are unable to manage their benefits would be placed 
on the NICS list and prohibited from purchasing a firearm. That tens of 
thousands of Americans die each year due to gun violence is 
unconscionable, and I do believe that the government has a role to play 
in alleviating this public health crisis.
  However, as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I 
understand the concerns of many mental health and disability rights 
advocates that this rule also has the potential to perpetuate the 
stigma that people with psychiatric or intellectual disabilities are 
more prone to violence, when they are often more likely to be the 
victims of violence. I also believe the due process procedures in this 
rule can and should be strengthened. Nonetheless, I believe these 
concerns can be addressed without resorting to the Congressional Review 
Act, and I cannot support this resolution of disapproval.
  This is particularly true as passage of the resolution of disapproval 
could limit SSA's future regulatory activity in this area and could 
discourage other ongoing efforts to improve gun safety laws. I look 
forward to working with both the disability community and the 
Administration to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities 
while maintaining the integrity of the rulemaking process.

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