From Congressman Randy Hultgren:

Keeping Guns Out of the Hands of Terrorists

An attack on any American is an attack on us all. Whenever these attacks happen we rightfully examines ourselves, but also the policies we put in place to protect our nation.

The Homeland Security Committee has worked hard this year on a number of key pieces of legislation to combat terrorism at home, and I am thankful for their efforts, including House passage of H.R. 5471, the Countering Terrorist Radicalization Act, which I supported.

This legislation will strengthen lines of communication between law enforcement agencies, combat terrorist organization using social media for propaganda and integrate improved intelligence into the administration’s decision-making process for this evolving threat.

I am engaged in the ongoing debate on how to best keep guns out of the hands of terrorists. To participate in the discussion online, visit the statement I posted to Facebook. I have also included it below:

The debate in the House over keeping guns out of the hands of terrorists comes down to this:

Here’s what we agree on:

more thorough background checks, including integrating different terrorist watch lists, to bar potential terrorists from buying guns.

Here’s what we disagree on:

who should have the power to deny Americans their constitutional right to purchase a firearm—s bureaucrat or a judge.

Democrats want to vote on an unconstitutional bill that violates due process rights of all American citizens. They know it will get struck down by the Supreme Court. Not to mention, the bill has already failed in the Senate.

Republicans believe all Americans are innocent until proven guilty. Judges—not unelected bureaucrats at the Justice Department—should decide whether there is probable cause to bar suspected terrorists from purchasing a firearm. The burden of proof on denying constitutional rights should lie with the government and go through a judge.

I support the Republican proposal that unfortunately was voted down by Democrats in the Senate. I urge Democrats in both chambers to set petty politics aside and vote for a solution that will pass constitutional muster.