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Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) today signed onto a discharge petition that would force a vote on H.R. 1076, the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015, sponsored by Republican Congressman Peter King (NY-2). Tonko has also signed onto a letter that will be sent to Speaker Paul Ryan, asking for a vote on the legislation.

“It is unthinkable that this is even a problem that needs fixing in the United States today. Suspected terrorists should not be able to purchase firearms. It’s that simple. Democrats tried three times last week to debate this measure, but each time were refused by the House Majority. It is my hope that this strategy – which recently proved successful in getting the Export-Import Bank reauthorized – will allow the House to work the will of the people instead of those in Congress who are more concerned with losing their ‘A’ rating with the NRA than keeping Americans safe,” said Tonko.

According to the Government Accountability Office, individuals on the federal terrorist watchlist have tried to buy or obtain a firearm or explosive license or permit at least 2,233 times. In 2,043 of those cases (91 percent of the time), the individuals successfully passed the background checks and were able to purchase the weapons or explosives.  In 2013 and 2014, FBI data showed that individuals on the watchlist were involved in firearm-related background checks 485 times, and 455 of those (about 94 percent) were allowed to proceed.  When over 90 percent of those who try to pass a background check succeed, there is no question that we need to make the background check system stronger.

H.R. 1076 is cosponsored by 52 Members of Congress including Rep. Tonko, who added his support to the legislation the day it was introduced by Rep. King, on February 25 of this year.

A discharge petition will require the House to consider the legislation once a majority of Members of Congress (218) have signed the petition.

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