One day after a twice-suspected terrorist killed 49 people at a nightclub in Orlando, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan on Monday refused to allow any discussion calling for legislation barring suspected terrorists and individuals convicted of hate crimes from buying guns.
Ryan’s refusal to even allow discussion on the House floor came six months after Senate Republicans rejected a bill that would have blocked suspected terrorists from buying weapons. All but one Republican senator voted against the bill one day after14 people were killed in the San Bernardino, Calif., massacre by two ISIS sympathizers.
“If you need proof that Congress is a hostage to the gun lobby, look no further than today’s vote blocking a bill to prevent known or suspected terrorists from buying guns and explosives,” said California Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) in December. “Congress has been paralyzed by the gun lobby for years, while more and more Americans are killed in mass shootings. The carnage won’t stop until Congress finds the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and protect the nation.”
