Raising A Question of the Privileges of the House

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is our duty as lawmakers and Representatives to pass laws that will make our communities safer. So far, Mr. Speaker, Congress has done nothing in regard to gun violence prevention, and that is shameful.

Every Member here knows that something must be done about gun violence. We may not all agree on what that is, but everyone, from the President of the United States of America to the inspiring young leaders who are leading a movement today out of Florida, agrees we must expand background checks. That is why we need this resolution and why we must take up the bipartisan background bill immediately. You cannot table the 30 people a day who are killed by someone using a gun.

Let us have this vote, Mr. Speaker. We have had too many moments of silence. We have got a bill that is ready to come to the floor. It is bipartisan, Democrats and Republicans supporting the bill, coauthoring the bill.

Ninety-seven percent of the American people believe that we should take up and vote for a measure regarding background checks. This is a good bill. It should be brought to the floor.

The Republicans should not be silencing the wishes of the American people. The Republican majority should not disallow hearings and votes on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is past time.

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