Keating Calls for ‘Common Sense’ Guns Laws at Anti-Gun Violence Meeting

HYANNIS – Ninth District Congressman William Keating was in Hyannis Wednesday speaking in favor of a bill that would ban certain types of semi-automatic weapons.

At a meeting of Grandmothers Against Gun Violence, the Democrat said there is a consensus around the nation in support of the measure.

He called for “common sense” gun safety legislation that will save lives around the nation.

“Some polls are showing that 90 percent of the people believe in the change for some ‘common sense’ gun safety legislation, yet Congress can’t even get folks to the floor because the leadership is so polarized on it compared to the feelings of the entire country,” Keating said.

Keating said there are two major reason why “common sense” gun legislation has never come to the floor for a vote.

One reason is because a vote would let the constituents of legislators know how they stand on the issue.

“It might place some of those members, because of the special interests of the gun lobby and the NRA, at odds with groups that are supporting them,” Keating said.

The second reason why action never makes it to the floor, according to Keating, is because most of it would pass.

In February, Keating joined with more than 160 other House members to support HR 5087, the Assault Weapons Ban.

Passage would prohibit the sale, transfer, production and importation of semi-automatic rifles, handguns and shotguns with military style features that can accept a detachable magazine.

The legislation would further designate magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds as illegal.

Keating urged those at the forum at the Cape Cod Synagogue to keep the pressure on Congress, which he said has become polarized.

“Always keep in mind, as I do, that so many of our neighbors and friends and community members agree with this,” he said. “The only thing that astounds people is why can’t any action occur?”

Keating added that even most people who enjoy target spots and hunting understand that changes needed to be made to gun laws.

Keating also stressed that no one in Washington is looking to come and “take your guns.”

“That argument is all wet. We live in a free country in that regard,” Keating said. “Look at next door in Canada. It’s not happening there and it’s not going to happen here.”

Keating said we should not be a country that promotes unnecessary fear.

“We should be a country that promotes strength and confidence and a sense of security,” he said.

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