Pelosi Statement on Republicans’ Vote to Allow Suspected Terrorists to Buy Guns

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after Republicans on the Appropriations Committee blocked an amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that would close the loophole that allows suspects on the FBI Terrorist Watchlist to buy guns:

“Today, Republicans voted to continue to allow suspected terrorists to enter a gun shop and leave with the gun of their choice. Protecting the ability of suspected terrorists to arm themselves to the teeth at American gun stores shows the staggering recklessness of Republicans’ radicalism.

“In the Appropriations Committee today, Republicans decided to perpetuate the loophole that has allowed more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI Terrorist Watchlist to buy guns in the United States over the last 11 years. In that time, more than 90 percent of all suspected terrorists who tried to buy guns in America walked away with the weapon they wanted.

“Our first responsibility as Members of Congress is to protect and defend the American people. We must be strong and smart to protect our communities from the threat of terror, and Republicans’ votes to protect the terrorist gun loophole are dangerous and indefensible. Congress must close this scandalous loophole and act to strengthen our system of background checks.”

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