Democrats: Let Attorney General Decide Who Can Buy A Gun After Orlando Shooting

ORLANDO, Florida - U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) along with fellow democratic Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have renewed their push to pass legislation to prevent people on the federal government's terror watchlist from purchasing guns and explosives following the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida.

A similar bill introduced last year after the San Bernardino shootings titled 'Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015' was defeated by Senate Republicans.

The legislation would empower the U.S. attorney general to "deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of a federal firearms and explosives license to any individual if the Attorney General: (1) determines that such individual has been engaged in or has provided material support or resources for terrorist activities, and (2) has a reasonable belief that such individual may use a firearm or explosive in connection with terrorism."

But critics of the bill point out that thousands of people have been wrongly placed on the terror watchlist and that the Attorney General doesn't even have to give a reason under the legislation which permits " ... the Attorney General to withhold information in firearms and explosives license denial revocation suits if the Attorney General determines that the disclosure of such information would likely compromise national security."

H.R.1076 Bill Text:

Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015

Amends the federal criminal code to grant the Attorney General the authority to deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of a federal firearms and explosives license to any individual if the Attorney General: (1) determines that such individual has been engaged in or has provided material support or resources for terrorist activities, and (2) has a reasonable belief that such individual may use a firearm or explosive in connection with terrorism. Allows any individual whose firearm or explosives license application has been denied to bring legal action challenging the denial.

Prohibits the sale or distribution of firearms or explosives to any individual whom the Attorney General has determined to be engaged in terrorist activities.

Permits the Attorney General to withhold information in firearms and explosives license denial revocation suits if the Attorney General determines that the disclosure of such information would likely compromise national security.

Authorizes the Attorney General to revoke firearms and explosives licenses and permits held by individuals determined to be engaged in terrorism.


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