Fleming Reacts to Bergdahl’s Charges

Washington, D.C. - September 10, 2015 (The Stuff Gazette) -- Congressman John Fleming, M.D. released the following statement after Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy:

“If Sgt. Bergdahl’s charges that he abandoned his fellow soldiers in 2009 prove true in a court of law, then he put the lives of his unit at risk by his decision to flee. The shift in the mission to search and rescue operations for Bergdahl undoubtedly weakened the security environment in which at least six soldiers lost their lives. Even knowing this, the President hailed him as a hero in a Rose Garden ceremony. While I appreciate our nation's efforts to rescue a soldier captured by the Taliban and held for five years, President Obama’s decision to negotiate with terrorists makes American soldiers and civilians abroad more attractive targets. In addition, the world is a more dangerous place following the release of five high-level Taliban terrorists, with reports circulating that some of these individuals have attempted to make contact with their terrorist networks.

“Bergdahl was no hero. And because of his actions, and the wrong choices of our President, five terrorists are walking free when they should be behind bars.”

Stuff In the News: Manufacturing, Criminal Aliens, Syrian Refugees, National Debt, Transportation

In 2010, House Democrats launched the Make It In America plan. Sixteen Make It In America bills have since been signed into law. However, the economic landscape has changed and new sectors have arisen in our economy since the plan was first introduced. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT, 5th) sought input yesterday from those testifying at her Make It In America Field Hearing on new ideas for where we can capitalize on past successes and address future challenges as the Make It In America plan is updated. Click here to view Esty’s remarks on the House floor.

“Due to Presidential Executive Orders, our law enforcement's hands are tied and border patrol agents can’t do their job,” Congressman Farenthold said. “Now with ICE’s PEP (Priority Enforcement Program), we’re hearing more devastating and horrendous stories about illegal immigrants who were captured and released only to commit crimes in America. Today we heard about a criminal alien who murdered an American women, injured another and attempted to rape a 14-year-old girl after he was caught and released by ICE. I fought in Congress to defund sanctuary cities after the murder of Kate Steinle, but due to these executive overreaches, we have become a sanctuary country." -- Blake Farenthold (R-TX, 27th)

In the letter, Keith Ellison (D-MN, 5th) calls for the United States to grant emergency asylum saying, “Security protocols account for significant delays in resettlement in the U.S., but we don't have to sacrifice our humanity to ensure our security. The U.S. could grant emergency asylum to thousands seeking refuge while ensuring that proper security screening protocols are met.” To date, the United States government has accepted only 1,500 Syrian refugees.

Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman Bill Flores (R-TX, 17th) announced his support for H.R. 692, the Default Prevention Act, which is set to be marked up by the House Ways and Means Committee tomorrow. This bill, introduced by RSC Member Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), is a long-standing RSC Initiative. “The Default Prevent Act ensures that the United States will fulfill our most pressing financial commitments, even in the event of political gridlock,” Chairman Flores said. “This bill protects Social Security recipients, while preserving the strength of our economy and our nation’s credit rating. It also marks an important step toward responsibly reducing America’s staggering national debt. By removing the threat of default, Congress will be able to tackle the problems at the root of Washington’s out-of-control spending more aggressively. I applaud my colleague, Rep. McClintock, for his work on the Default Prevention Act. The Republican Study Committee fully supports this bill and looks forward to its timely consideration by the full House of Representatives,” says Flores.

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) has introduced the Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act, which would bring critically needed transportation dollars to Broward and Palm Beach counties. The legislation awards additional funding from the federal government to local transportation organizations that work together.

House Reactions to Nuclear Deal with Iran

These are just a few statements from the House Representatives about the Iran Nuclear Deal:

I would like to begin by echoing the sentiments of Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar in stating that no arms control deal is ever perfect, and that our overriding objective must be to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But after carefully weighing all the options and possible outcomes, I do believe that voting for this deal will make it less likely that Iran will develop nuclear weapons. And voting against this deal, with no better options in sight, makes the potential for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon more likely. My support for this agreement is determined not by trust, but by science. -- Bill Foster (D-IL, 11th)

Having read the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), engaging in insightful conversations with both opponents and proponents of the agreement, and listening to my constituents, I have concluded that supporting the agreement is in the best interest of the United States, Israel, and our global community. I arrived at this decision after extensive due diligence and receipt of sufficient answers to questions posed to me. I feel confident that I have made the right decision. -- Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH, 11th)

Nuclear material leaves a radiation signature. We have the capability of reading those signatures and understanding in detail what is going on at any particular site. The verifications in this treaty are built upon the fact that we don’t trust Iran, and therefore, these verification procedures are the most robust, comprehensive, and extensive that have ever been in any proliferation treaty. -- John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd)
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I’m voting against the deal. We need to work together to block it so that we can negotiate a stronger agreement. -- Gene Green (D-TX, 29th)

The President’s deeply flawed and misguided deal with Iran is a serious security matter not only for the United States, but also for our allies in the Middle East. I believe we must use all tools possible to stop this deal in its tracks and avoid placing our citizens and allies at greater risk. Accordingly, I implore Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate leadership to use the so-called ‘nuclear option’ to require a simple majority to stop the Iran agreement. To require a super majority on a matter of great importance is improper, is offensive to the majority rule, and is damaging to our great Republic. -- Morgan Griffith (R-VA, 9th)

The so-called “nuclear option” is a waiver of a rule dating back to the 1970’s. This modern filibuster/cloture rule currently in practice in the Senate requires a super majority in order to take a vote on any issue. A single Senator acting anonymously can place a “hold” on legislation by notifying the Senate Majority Leader of his or her desire to “hold” such a bill.

Since November 16, 2012 (soon after the election that left Democrats in control of the White House and the Senate), Griffith has consistently called for the Senate to change this policy and return to its workable historical filibuster rule.

I know many people of good faith have reservations about this agreement. They have concerns about dealing with Iran and ask how we can trust its ruling regime. I don’t trust Iran. Fortunately, as Secretary of State John Kerry has emphasized, there is absolutely nothing in the entire agreement that depends on trusting Iran. Precisely because we have doubts about Iran’s intentions, this deal includes a robust program for verification, monitoring and inspections as well as the ability to reinstate sanctions. Without this agreement, Iran would be free to pursue a nuclear weapon, and the United States and international community would not be able to inspect what is happening in Iran let alone stop it. -- Janice Hahn (D-CA, 44th)

During my service in Congress, I have always believed that we must pursue diplomacy before confrontation, and that war should always be a last resort. I cannot ask the sons and daughters of the families I represent to fight a war without being able to look them in the eye and tell them we have exhausted all available diplomatic means. Congress should give this agreement a chance to work, and I intend to support it. -- Mike Doyle (D-PA, 14th)

This week I will vote to support the JCPOA. This is a vote with enormous consequences for U.S. national security interests. I did not make my decision lightly. Over the past few weeks I spent many hours reading and reviewing the agreement and its classified annex. I received briefings from the Administration and national security, intelligence and non-proliferation experts. I had many discussions with stakeholders who hold passionate views on both sides of the argument and heard from hundreds of my constituents. -- Tammy Duckworth (D-IL, 8th)

The Iran deal 1) does not effectively prohibit nuclear weapons research, enrichment research, miniaturization or delivery work 2) does little to impose actual accountability, and 3) does not dismantle all of Iran’s current nuclear infrastructure.

At its core, the President’s deal is a gamble: a gamble that Iran will uphold its end of the bargain, and that in 10-15 years we will see a gentler, kinder Iran. It’s a gamble that gets Iran what it wants, and leaves America and our allies with the short end of the stick. That’s not a gamble I’m willing to take. -- Randy J. Forbes (R-VA, 4th)

I would like to begin by echoing the sentiments of Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar in stating that no arms control deal is ever perfect, and that our overriding objective must be to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But after carefully weighing all the options and possible outcomes, I do believe that voting for this deal will make it less likely that Iran will develop nuclear weapons. And voting against this deal, with no better options in sight, makes the potential for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon more likely. My support for this agreement is determined not by trust, but by science. -- Bill Foster (D-IL, 11th)

Members Introduce Bipartisan House Bill to Combat Gun Trafficking

Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-New York), Patrick Meehan (R-Pennsylvania), Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland), Peter T. King (R- New York), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), Robin Kelly (D-Illinois), Dan Donovan (R- New York), and Tammy Duckworth (D- Illinois) are re-introducing a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives to make firearms trafficking a federal crime and impose stronger penalties for “straw purchasers” who buy guns for convicted felons and others who are prohibited from buying guns on their own.

The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act of 2015 directly addresses concerns by law enforcement officials who testified before Congress that a dedicated firearms trafficking statute would help them combat the flow of thousands of firearms to violent criminals, international drug cartels, and a host of other dangerous people.

The introduction of this bill comes on the heels of a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing today on violence at the U.S. Mexico border. In March, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms reported that more than 100,000 guns were recovered in Mexico and submitted for tracing from 2009 to 2014. Of those, 70% originated in the United States.

Yesturday, the Mexican embassy to the United States sent a letter in support of these efforts, highlighting that “Congress can play a very important role” in combating “the flow of illegal firearms by enacting proper legislation.”

“We have made it too hard for law enforcement to stop guns from getting into the hands of criminals and too easy for criminals to get their hands on guns,” said Rep. Maloney. “There should be no ambiguity: gun trafficking and straw purchases are illegal, and cost lives. If you are caught up in these activities, you will be prosecuted and sent to jail. The bipartisan Gun Trafficking Prevention Act would give law enforcement the tools they need to make sure that happens.”

“We must give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools to stop gun trafficking and straw purchasing,” said Rep. Meehan, a former federal prosecutor. “This bipartisan bill protects our constitutional rights while taking necessary actions to help keep guns out of the hands of criminals and help reduce gun violence.”

“Today the Oversight Committee will hold a hearing to discuss violence in Mexico border, which has been exacerbated by a steady flow of firearms from the United States,” said Ranking Member Cummings. “Many of these weapons have been trafficked across state lines with the intent of inflicting harm south of the border. If this bill passes, it will make our communities safer while making a huge dent in the flow of illegal guns to Mexico.”

“I have long supported efforts to crack down on illegal gun trafficking,” said Rep. King. “This legislation will make our citizens safer by giving law enforcement the tools they need to take gun-traffickers off the streets who are funneling firearms to felons, drug cartels and gang members. I am proud to be a part of a bipartisan group of members offering a solution to this problem.”

“The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act is a common sense proposal to keep guns out of the hands of criminals by Act imposing stronger penalties for ‘straw purchasers’ who buy guns for convicted felons or others who would fail a background check,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan measure gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to put those skirting our gun laws behind bars while protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.”

“Every gun used in a crime was first obtained legally and then found its way into criminals’ hands through unlawful activity such as straw purchases and theft,” said Rep. Kelly. “Improving the background check system is crucial but we must take it a step further by prohibiting gun trafficking. Making gun trafficking a federal crime is a common sense measure that provides law enforcement the tools needed to effectively address our national epidemic of gun violence and gun crime. I’m proud to stand with a bi-partisan group of my fellow lawmakers to take this first positive step to address gun trafficking.”

“I spent most of my career as a prosecutor,” said Rep. Donovan. “Providing law enforcement with the tools they need to combat illegal gun crime is critical to keeping New York the safest big city in America. We can strike a balance in protecting the Second Amendment while keeping guns away from criminals.”

“The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act is the rare bipartisan gun safety bill that all Americans can support, “ said Rep. Duckworth. “I am a proud cosponsor of this common sense proposal that empowers law enforcement to crack down on illegal gun trafficking – and a combat Veteran who grew up in a family of marksmen. This bill simply criminalizes activity that the vast majority of Americans already believe is a Federal crime: using middlemen to buy guns for dangerous criminals. Enough is enough. Too many innocent Illinois residents are killed by guns that fall into the hands of criminals who never should have obtained them in the first place. It's time for Congress to act.”

This legislation was first introduced in 2013 and was cosponsored by 118 Members of the House from both political parties. It also passed as an amendment out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, but was not enacted into law. Specifically, the legislation:

Prohibits Firearms Trafficking: The bill prohibits the purchase or transfer of a firearm if the intent is to deliver it to someone else who is prohibited by Federal or State law from possessing one.

Strengthens Penalties for Straw Purchasers: The bill strengthens penalties to up to 20 years imprisonment for “straw purchasers” who intentionally provide false or misleading material information when they purchase firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.

Enhances Penalties for Kingpins and Multiple Illegal Purchases: The bill provides enhanced penalties for organizers or managers of firearms trafficking networks and recommends that the Sentencing Commission increase penalties for multiple illegal gun purchases.

Groups supporting the bill include the American Bar Association, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Baltimore Police Department, CeaseFirePA, Daniel Webster, Director of Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, Everytown for Gun Safety, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Inc., Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Mayor of Baltimore, MD, United States Conference of Mayors, and the Violence Policy Center.

Firearms Purchases Skyrocket During 2015

Washington, D.C. - September 9, 2015 (The Stuff Gazette) -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has released the 2015 Firearms Commerce in the United States Annual Statistical Update. The report provides comparative data from as far back as 1986 for context, analyses of firearms manufacturing trends over the years, and a broad picture of the state of firearms commerce in the United States today.

The data in the 2015 report shows an estimated increase in firearms manufacturing in the U.S. of more than 100 percent within a four-year period. In 2010, more than 5.4 million firearms were manufactured. That number climbed to more than 10.8 million in 2013. The most recent available firearm manufacturing statistics are through calendar year 2013.

Pistols make up the bulk of the firearms manufactured, with 4.4 million produced in 2013. That is an increase of more than one million pistols produced compared to the previous year. The number of rifles manufactured also increased from 3.1 million in 2012 to 3.9 million in 2013.

Updated firearms import and export data is also included in the report. Import data is updated through calendar year 2014. In calendar year 2014 more than 3.6 million firearms were imported into the United States; 2.1 million of those firearms were handguns. In calendar year 2013, the most recent year for which data is available, the U.S. exported more than 393,000 firearms.

The commerce report includes a state-by-state breakdown of the federal firearms licensees and a state-by-state breakdown of the National Firearm Act tax revenue information available through 2014. For a closer look, visit the ATF website at commerce report.