MEMBER OF CONGRESS

Mike Thompson

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Mike Thompson, a Democrat from California, focuses heavily on gun policy; in this floor statement he opposed a bill restricting state flagging of suspicious firearms purchases, arguing it would hinder investigations of gun trafficking and citing specific figures, such as his claim that about 60 percent of trafficked guns reach convicted felons. He makes his case in plain, direct terms, framing the issue around public safety, and states his conclusion about the bill’s effects without walking through the supporting mechanism in detail. His appeals stay on substance rather than personal criticism of opponents, and he closes with a clear, specific ask—a no vote.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .

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Statements 1

House of Representatives ·

Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act

“I want the House to vote against this bill. It stops states from flagging suspicious gun sales, which helps police catch gun traffickers. Trafficked guns often end up with convicted felons, who put everyone at risk.”
  • Speech on a bill

    Reasoning 100 of 100

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Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1181, a bill which makes it harder to catch criminals and makes our communities less safe. Today, under current law, financial institutions are required to report suspicious transactions to law enforcement. They do this every day, and that helps catch human traffickers. These alerts give law enforcement leads that uncover human trafficking rings and evidence that help put these bad guys away. The bill on the floor today blocks States from using this same process to flag suspicious firearms transactions to uncover gun trafficking rings. Many gun traffickers don’t buy guns like responsible gun owners, and once guns are trafficked, we know bad things happen. Approximately 60 percent of trafficked guns are delivered to convicted felons. The felons who seek out and obtain trafficked firearms are the people who pose the greatest risk to everyone’s safety. Mr. Speaker, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, for teenagers, and for law enforcement in the line of duty. We should be working to break up gun trafficking rings which supply the guns that kill kids and cops. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no’’ on this bill.