Kaptur Calls on House Republican Leadership to Stop Blocking Vote to Keep Guns Out of Hands of Terrorists

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) issued a stern statement today calling on House Republicans to allow Congress to vote on H.R.1076: Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation would close a loophole that currently allows suspects on the FBI’s Terrorist Watchlist to purchase lethal firearms in the United States. Between 2004 and 2014, 2,043 terror suspects were able to legally purchase guns in the United States, a success rate of more than 91 percent.

“Our first duty as Members of Congress is to protect and defend the American people,”said Rep. Kaptur. “There is a reason why we keep suspects with ties to terrorism from getting on an airplane in this country. The same standard needs to be applied when it comes to purchasing deadly firearms. House Republican leadership failed three times this week to allow debate and a vote on this urgent legislation. We cannot afford to let another opportunity pass without taking this long-overdue step to better secure our cities and communities.”

According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the subject, “Membership in a terrorist organization does not prohibit a person from possessing firearms or explosives under current federal law.”

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