Hoyer Discusses Gun Prevention Legislation, the Economy on FOX 5's "On The Hill"
WASHINGTON, DC – This morning Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined FOX 5's "On The Hill" with Tom Fitzgerald to discuss House-passed legislation to respond to gun violence, House Democrats' work to address inflation, and the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project. Below are excerpts of his remarks and a link to the interview:
Click here to watch the full interview.
On Gun Violence Prevention Legislation
"The [gun violence prevention] bills that we passed through the [House of Representatives this week] by title -- six different provisions - each one of the provisions [are] overwhelmingly supported by the American people. But that is not a predictor of what the Senate will do because we passed comprehensive background checks [legislation] last year – [and] a waiting period to make sure that the background check gets back in time. We know in South Carolina, in Charleston, Mother Emmanuel Church, Roof, who was the killer, could not have bought the gun had they waited to get the background check, but they didn't wait at the time, [background checks] are overwhelmingly supported. I hope the Senate -- and I believe that the talks [between] [Senator] John Cornyn and [Senator] Chris Murphy and other Senators are participating in, will bear fruit. I heard John Cornyn on the Senate Floor last week, saying that they needed to do some reasonable, rational steps to make our communities and kids safer. That is what the [Protecting Our Kids] Act attempted to do…those provisions are all supported by 75%, 80%, 85%, 95% of the American people, and one would think that given the horrific incidents of gun violence and mass shootings we have, we are on track to exceed last year's number [of mass shootings], that we would take action. And the NRA needs not to stand for ‘No Republican Action.'"
On Senate Negotiations over Bipartisan Gun Legislation
"We are going to take what we can get – we think all of the provisions [are worthwhile]...I think there is an opportunity there…I am certainly hopeful, given Senator Cornyn and Murphy's work that at least [Red Flag laws] will pass…raising the age to 21 [for the purchase of automatic weapons] ought to be a no-brainer for people, making sure that guns are safely stored ought to be a no-brainer."
On the Economy and Inflation
"…Frankly there are a lot of statistics that are good: 8.7 million new jobs, 3.6% unemployment. If you want a job in America, there are more jobs available than there are people looking for jobs. So that is the good news. However, nothing will replace going to the gas pump and finding out that it is costing you twice [the amount it did], $70, $80, $90 to fill up your car. That is a start, and scary reminder of inflation, and inflation is happening all over the world, as you know…We have got to deal with this. This coming week, we are going to deal with a number of bills. We passed a price gouging bill to make sure that…the economy is not taking advantage of consumers and to make sure that the supply chains are available to get people back to work."
On The Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project (SMRT)
"We are working on [the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project] because the gridlock from Waldorf to the Beltway, is very, very tough [for] Southern Maryland commuters. We are working on that, I met with local officials and we are trying to get resources, and this has been a long time coming. We need to get rapid transport from Charles County through the Metro, so we get people into town on the Metro and relieve traffic congestion."