Congressman Cleaver Demands a Vote on Legislation to Prevent Suspected Terrorists From Purchasing Guns and Explosives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cleaver took action to force a vote on commonsense, life-saving legislation to keep guns and explosives out of the hands of terrorists.  After House Republicans voted three times last week to block the House from debating H.R. 1076, Republican Congressman Peter King's "Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act", Congressman Cleaver signed a discharge petition that would bring this critical legislation immediately up for a vote. The bill would close the dangerous loophole that allows suspected terrorists on the FBI's Terrorist Watchlist to legally buy deadly weapons.

"The refusal to close the loophole that lets suspected terrorists legally buy guns is unconscionable and indefensible," said Congressman Cleaver.  "As Members of Congress, our first responsibility is to protect and defend the American people – and that is why we must take urgent and commonsense action to keep deadly firearms and explosives out of the hands of terrorists."

According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, since 2004, more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI's Terrorist Watchlist have successfully purchased weapons in the United States.  More than 90 percent of all suspected terrorists who attempted to purchase guns in the last 11 years walked away with the weapon they wanted, with just 190 rejected despite their ominous histories. 

"In the aftermath of the horrific attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, we must continue to strengthen our efforts to protect the American people," continued Congressman Cleaver.  "Our first priority should be to close the exceedingly dangerous terrorist gun loophole and ensure that no suspected terrorist can walk into a gun store and legally purchase a deadly weapon."  

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.

For more information please contact John Jones – john.h.jones@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-4535.