SCHAKOWSKY HAILS HOUSE FAILURE TO PASS NRA GUN BILL
SCHAKOWSKY HAILS HOUSEFAILURE TO PASS NRA GUN BILL
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) called the House's failure to pass gun legislation written by the National Rifle Association and the gun lobby a victory for the American people. The House passed another measure that would allow the posting of the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including classrooms.
Schakowsky said, "The House's answer to gun violence is Ten Commandments in the classroom, while the Senate gave us common sense gun safety legislation."
After an intense effort from the gun lobby, the House rejected amendments to improve the legislation in order protect children and law enforcement officers, instead leaving criminals with the ability to purchase firearms at gun shows and weakening existing gun laws.
The House failed to adopt the McCarthy amendment that would have provided law enforcement with the same three business days to conduct background checks at gun shows that they are now given when guns are bought in stores. Instead, the House passed an amendment that reduces the time provided to law enforcement to complete gun show purchaser background checks from three business days to just 24 hours.
"This bill was riddled with loopholes from the start. It is a disgrace that the House failed last night to pass the McCarthy amendment to give law enforcement officers three days to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. Now that the House has rejected this bill, it is time to start again and get it right," Schakowsky said.
"The American people found out this week who calls the shots in the U.S. House of Representatives the gun lobby with its deep pockets. After all the posturing and politics, children are no safer today than they were yesterday. Our victory is that they are not at greater risk. This is a sad commentary about the leadership in this House," Schakowsky added.