Rep. Johnson Demands a Vote on Legislation to Close Terrorist Gun Loophole

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With House Republicans continuing to protect suspected terrorists’ ability to buy lethal firearms, Rep. Johnson today took action to force a vote on commonsense, life-saving legislation to keep guns 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, Rep. Johnson 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.

“House Republicans’ refusal to close the loophole that lets suspected terrorists legally buy guns is unconscionable and indefensible,” said Rep. Johnson. “As Members of Congress, our first responsibility is to protect and defend the American people – and that is why we must take urgent action to keep deadly firearms 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 Rep. Johnson. “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.”

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