CHAIRMAN THOMPSON CALLS ON REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP TO BRING BIPARTISAN BACKGROUND CHECK BILL UP FOR A VOTE
Washington, D.c. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, today spoke on the Floor of the House to call on Republican Leadership to bring the King-Thompson background check bill up for a vote. The bipartisan King-Thompson background check legislation, officially known as the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 2015 expands the existing background check system to cover all commercial firearm sales, including those at gun shows, over the internet or in classified ads. The King-Thompson bill, which was introduced in early March, is co-authored by Reps. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Pat Meehan (R-PA), Bob Dold, (R-IL), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY).
"Mr. Speaker, last week we witnessed an act of pure hatred and evil in Charleston, S.C.
"This is a time to mourn the victims, to pray for their families, for a community to heal, and for Congress to take action against unchecked and widespread gun violence.
"30-plus people are killed every day by someone using a gun. Mass shootings are becoming almost commonplace. And yet we continue to do nothing.
"No legislation will stop every tragedy. But passing commonsense gun laws will at least stop some.
"We need to pass background checks. It's our first line of defense against criminals & the dangerously mentally ill getting guns.
"We don't know what laws could have prevented the shooting in Charleston.
"But we do know that background checks stop help keep guns from dangerous people – and that saves lives.
"If the Republican leadership has a better idea to cut down on gun violence, let's see it.
"If not, let's bring commonsense, bipartisan reforms like my bill to expanded criminal background checks up for a vote."