In recent news, Senate Republicans have blocked an attempt by Democrats to pass a bill to ban bump stocks following a Supreme Court ruling. The bill aimed to enforce a federal ban on bump stock devices, which allow a shooter to convert a semi-automatic rifle into a high-rate firing weapon.
Despite some Republican support for banning bump stocks, the issue remains divisive among GOP senators in light of the Supreme Court’s decision.
On Tuesday, Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico sought to pass the bill through unanimous consent, but Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska objected, dismissing it as a “show vote.”
Heinrich argued for the ban, stating, “There’s no legitimate use for a bump stock… what they are tailor made for is a mass shooting.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also supported the ban as a “commonsense safety measure.”
However, Ricketts criticized the bill as overreach, claiming it would ban essential firearm accessories and attack law-abiding gun owners.
While some senior Republican senators have expressed openness to legislation restricting bump stocks, others like Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina oppose any such measures.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia remain open to considering bump stocks legislation, emphasizing the need for congressional action on the matter.
Moving forward, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut aims to engage Republicans who may support banning bump stocks in hopes of finding common ground. Despite the political challenges, there is optimism that bipartisan support for a bump stock ban may still be possible in the Senate.
