Red River Private Property Protection Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Chairman, I too believe that Congress must act quickly to address terrorist threats in order to keep Americans safe.

Congress promptly acted in a bipartisan manner this week to strengthen glaring holes in our country's Visa Waiver Program. However, we have done absolutely nothing to close an equally alarming loophole which allows suspected terrorists to purchase guns.

Unlike felons, domestic abusers, and the adjudicated mentally ill, suspected terrorists can legally purchase firearms in the United States. I think that is worth repeating. Individuals who are suspected of being involved in terrorist activities by the FBI can legally purchase dangerous weapons--including military-style assault rifles and explosives--in this country. In fact, more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI's terrorist watch list have purchased firearms over the last 11 years.

If our intelligence community is concerned enough about an individual's suspected ties to terrorism to prohibit them from boarding an aircraft, why would we allow that person to purchase a firearm?

The American people are urging Congress to address gun violence and strengthen our Nation's security against increasing threats from ISIS and other terrorist organizations. This bill provides a rare opportunity to do both. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership has refused to even debate this bill.

We cannot, Mr. Chairman, wait to act any longer. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and help ensure that every American lives free from the threat of gun violence.

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