Wasserman Schultz Statement on Republicans Voting to Continue "Terror Gap"

Washington, DC, May 24, 2016
Tragedies like the San Bernardino attack show that home-grown terrorism is a real and present threat to our nation, and our law enforcement officers and officials need every tool at their disposal to combat this threat. Rep. Lowey's commonsense amendment would help keep us safe by granting the Attorney General the authority to use the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment. This is our nation's central resource for identifying individuals known to be engaged in, or have suspected ties to, terrorism. Today's disappointing vote demonstrates once again that House Republicans are willing to sacrifice everything – even the security of Americans – to protect their rating from the National Rifle Association. Their priorities are wildly out of step with what Americans need.

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Republicans Voting to Continue “Terror Gap”

 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after Republican Members of the House Appropriations Committee voted down Ranking Member Nita Lowey’s amendment to grant the United States Attorney General the authority to block the sale of firearms to known or suspected terrorists:

“Tragedies like the San Bernardino attack show that home-grown terrorism is a real and present threat to our nation, and our law enforcement officers and officials need every tool at their disposal to combat this threat. Rep. Lowey’s commonsense amendment would help keep us safe by granting the Attorney General the authority to use the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment. This is our nation’s central resource for identifying individuals known to be engaged in, or have suspected ties to, terrorism. Today’s disappointing vote demonstrates once again that House Republicans are willing to sacrifice everything – even the security of Americans – to protect their rating from the National Rifle Association. Their priorities are wildly out of step with what Americans need.”

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Contact:

Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931