WASHINGTON -- The House will vote on a measure next week that stops suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms, Speaker Paul Ryan told members on Thursday.
The decision comes one week after House Democrats staged a 26-hour sit-in on the chamber floor to demand votes on legislation that would have blocked people on a no-fly list from buying guns and required background checks for purchases at gun shows and online.
On a call with the Republican caucus, Ryan said the House would vote on a terrorism package when they return from the July Fourth recess, according to a source on the call.
The terrorism package will include measures to disrupt radicalization and recruitment, as well as the provision blocking suspected terrorists from buying guns. It remains unclear which specific bills will be brought to the floor.
It’s possible the language used by House Republicans will be similar to a bill offered by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Under that proposal, gun sales would be delayed, giving the government three days to prove probable cause to a judge to stop the sale completely. It is supported by the National Rifle Association.
“House Democrats will keep up our efforts to push for the Majority to allow a vote on gun violence legislation, but bringing up a bill authored by the NRA just isn’t going to cut it,” said Drew Hammill, spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
The attacks in Paris, Brussels and Orlando, and the more recent Istanbul bombing, all point to an evolution in terrorist attacks, Ryan said, blaming the administration for a lack of action.
During the sit-in last week, Democrats scolded Republicans for refusing to hold votes before leaving for a short break. Chanting "no bill, no break," Democrats held up signs with the names of those killed in a gay nightclub in Orlando earlier this month.
Ryan called the action a “publicity stunt.”
This article has been updated to include a statement from Nancy Pelosi's office.