WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee released the following statement regarding the votes relating to the firearms bill (S.649):

“Following the tragedy at Sandy Hook, we all wanted to find answers that would reduce crime and prevent the next senseless act of violence. Unfortunately, the Senate did not consider any proposals that would achieve these objectives.  Instead, the primary effect of most of the bills we voted on today, including the expansion of background checks, was to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens.  

“I agree with the president that this debate is not over.  My hope is that we can now discuss the problems that lead to these violent acts and propose solutions that actually address them.  We can do more to identify and help individuals with mental health issues and enforce existing laws that keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.  We must also begin a serious dialogue about the culture of violence that undermines the moral fabric of our society.

“We have an obligation to protect the lives and liberty of Americans.  I am confident that we can achieve both.”