Congressman Lee Zeldin Introduces a Bill to Prevent Terrorists From Acquiring Firearms and Explosives
Congressman Lee Zeldin has continued in leading the charge to protect Americans from further Terror Plots. The member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has introduced the “Protect America Act of 2015” in the House of Representatives (H.R. 4237). The Bill would prevent suspected Terrorists from purchasing Firearms or explosives within the U.S. while preserving the Second Amendment.
The legislation, would allow the Attorney General to deny the sale, delivery or transfer of firearms and explosives to individuals who are engaged or suspected of terrorist activities. The legislation allows the Attorney General to revoke firearms and explosives licenses and permits held by individuals determined to be engaged in terrorism. The Attorney General would have to the power to review and verify the terrorist watch list and no fly list in conjunction with firearms/explosives permits and purchases. The bill would implement due process of law requirements in order to protect law abiding Americans and their second amendment right.
“The federal government must act to protect America, but it must act Constitutionally. My legislation would help prevent terrorists from purchasing firearms or explosives, while putting in place safeguards to ensure that the rights of law abiding Americans are protected. In addition to dangerous terrorist suspects, the terrorist watch list and no fly list include and have included infants, Ted Kennedy and other Members of Congress, U.S. Marshals, harmless service members, individuals with similar names, former college roommates of suspects, and other innocent Americans with no connection to terrorism. This bill gives the Department of Justice 90 days to review and verify these lists to ensure the removal of individuals who should have never been added in the first place.” -Congressman Lee Zeldin
The Congressman has been at the forefront of good policy over good politics when it comes to gun control in the wake of the San Bernardino attacks. Congressman Zeldin has warned Americans regarding the dangers of ISIS since the beginning of his term in office. Zeldin concluded his discussion on the legislation pushing for due process protections that would put a stop to treating law abiding citizens as “guilty until proven innocent” and beseeched fellow members of Congress take the necessary steps to close the terror gap.
** Note: The “Protect America Act of 2015” is similar to language previously introduced in the Senate by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).