[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9639]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              GUN VIOLENCE

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I am encouraged by the dialogue on gun 
safety that is taking place in the Senate now. Democrats and 
Republicans are working together to find solutions to protect Americans 
from gun violence. The obvious first step is to keep guns and 
explosives out of the hands of suspected terrorists and criminals. That 
is why it is imperative that the Senate call up legislation to get a 
vote.
  The amendment from the senior Senator from Maine has bipartisan 
support and, at the very least, is a step in the right direction. The 
State of Maine has a reputation for bipartisanship. I can remember when 
President Obama was first elected, when we did the American Recovery 
Act--the stimulus. We had 57 or 58 Democratic Senators. I needed help 
in order to get that passed. Where did I look first? The State of 
Maine, Senator Collins and Senator Snowe. They always came through. The 
reason we were able to pass the Recovery Act is because of the State of 
Maine's senatorial representation.
  So it should be no surprise to anyone that the senior Senator from 
Maine is working on a bipartisan basis, and while her legislation at 
this stage, in my mind, is not perfect, it is a step in the right 
direction.
  I am concerned with the Collins amendment for a number of reasons, 
and the Justice Department also has concerns. They are worried about 
provisions within the legislation. But as we speak, bipartisan 
discussions continue to resolve these matters.
  But there is no question that the Senate should vote on legislation 
that keeps guns away from suspected terrorists. So I appreciate the 
good work of Senator Collins.
  Of course, it wouldn't be fair to talk about the State of Maine 
without talking about Angus King--what a terrific Senator. The State of 
Maine should be so proud of this guy, as I know they are, based on his 
record as having been elected as Governor and other things in the State 
of Maine.
  I know the National Rifle Association is whipping its followers into 
a frenzy about this legislation--the Collins bipartisan legislation. 
They are going crazy about it. That is disappointing but not 
surprising.
  Almost every American agrees that suspected terrorists should not be 
able to purchase firearms and explosives. The Republican leader should 
ignore the desperate pleas from the NRA and bring Senator Collins' 
amendment to the floor for a vote.

                          ____________________