House Democrats on Thursday unveiled their new national security agenda, which will include gun control legislation and other domestic reforms.
Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the agenda, named “A Stronger America,” is what Democrats would focus on if the country rejects Donald Trump and his “House Republican enablers” to give Democrats control of the Congress.
“We want to build a stronger America by making it a more secure America,” Hoyer said. “This agenda includes securing our nation, securing our democracy and securing our future.”
Democrats talked about a wide range of priorities included in the agenda, including reforming immigration laws, protecting voting rights and reducing student loan debt, arguing that each will keep the American people safer at home.
Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said the agenda will also include “common sense gun reform,” including the “no fly, no buy” provision that prohibits those on the no-fly list from buying firearms. The agenda also will increase funding for the FBI to enhance its counterterrorism capabilities and grow partnerships with allies to stop radicalization online.
“These policy proposals are common sense reforms aimed at keeping the American people safe,” he said.
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the agenda has the goal of “keeping American No. 1.”
“It’s the oath of office we take to protect and defend,” she said.
Rep. Steve Israel, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, also used the announcement of the new platform as a chance to hit Republicans for leaving D.C. on a seven-week summer vacation, during which Democrats will also be in their home districts talking about the agenda, he said.
“While they [Republicans] are abdicating their responsibility to keep the American people safe, while they’re hiding from their own constituents in their own districts, House Democrats will be talking about our bold new agenda, our bold new American security agenda,” the New York Democrat said.
