GOP rep: ‘Happy talk’ not enough to curb gun violence

Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) on Thursday said he’s optimistic lawmakers are open to discussing legislation to reduce gun violence after last week’s Florida high school shooting, but warned Congress must not just talk and actually needs to take action.

“To me, there’s no reason why people should have assault weapons,” King said. “I don’t believe there should be any objection to having background checks for gun shows, I don’t think there should be any objection over say if you’re on a terrorist watch list you shouldn’t be able to buy a gun.”

“Those three are common sense. Now if there’s modifications within there, then fine, let’s get that debate going. But let’s realize that something has to be done, and not just happy talk,” King added.

Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., have in recent days called for action from lawmakers to curb gun violence after a gunman killed 17 people at the school.

Students around the country have protested gun violence in recent days.

In response, lawmakers have proposed a flurry of possible changes to curb gun violence.

President Trump on Thursday morning tweeted that he will push for comprehensive background checks “with an emphasis on mental health,” and has said he supports raising the age requirement to purchase a weapon.

Other lawmakers, including some Republicans, have expressed support for both proposals, though the National Rifle Association has opposed any new age restrictions. 

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) said Wednesday night he plans to introduce a bill next week that would ban assault weapons.

King said Thursday he was skeptical in the immediate aftermath of last week’s shooting that anything would be done in response. However, he now is optimistic there can be dialogue and some action on gun issues, even if it doesn’t satisfy all of his desired changes.

“Having been through so many of these, Sandy Hook and Aurora, (Colo.), and God there’s so many of them and there’s never been any action. What I’ve seen in the last week I think there’s a real chance something can be done,” King said.