Schatz Renews Call For Action On Gun Violence As Senate Republicans Block Commonsense Gun Safety Regulations
Following Tragic Mass Shooting in Orlando, Republicans Block Measures That Would Ban Terrorists from Buying Guns and Enhance Background Checks
WASHINGTON – Senate Republicans today blocked two sensible measures that would have helped keep guns out of the hands of terrorists and protect Americans from gun violence. Following the vote, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) renewed calls for commonsense gun safety regulation and vowed to continue pushing for much needed reforms.
“More than 90% of Americans demand we take action on gun violence, but again Senate Republicans refuse to act. It’s unacceptable,” said Senator Schatz. “Right now, known terrorists are banned from getting on an airplane, but they are still allowed to buy military-style weapons. It is absolutely insane. After one of the most horrific mass shootings in our history, we saw people across the country courageously stand up against gun violence and hatred. When will Republicans in Congress finally do the same?”
The measures voted on today would have put in place sensible regulations that would respect Second Amendment rights and address loopholes in our nation’s gun safety laws.
One amendment, introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) would have required that every gun buyer, with reasonable exceptions, pass an instant background check. It also would have required states and the federal government to send all necessary records on felons, drug abusers, the seriously mentally ill, and other dangerous people to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
The second measure, offered by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and cosponsored by Senator Schatz, would have stopped terrorists from buying guns and explosives. The amendment would give the attorney general the authority to block the sale of guns or explosives to known or suspected terrorists, if the attorney general has a reasonable belief that the weapons would be used in connection with terrorism.
Last week, Senator Schatz joined a 15-hour filibuster led by Senator Murphy to demand action on gun violence. To view a video clip of Senator Schatz’s remarks during the filibuster, click here.
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