GOP Senators thwart Democratic attempt to enact ban on bump stocks following Supreme Court decision
The legislation proposes a nationwide prohibition on the purchase of bump stock devices. These gadgets enable a gunman to transform a semi-automatic firearm into a rapid-firing one, capable of discharging hundreds of rounds per minute. Last Friday, the Supreme Court invalidated a federal ban on bump stocks that was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, marking another conservative court ruling that loosens firearm regulations.
Although some Republicans advocate for a ban on bump stocks, this topic remains divisive among Republican senators post the high court's decision.
On Tuesday, Democrat Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico appealed for unanimous consent to pass the bill in the Senate, but Republican Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska objected, labeling it a "show vote."
"As a firearm owner, there's no practical use for a bump stock – not for self-defense, not in a law enforcement context, not even in military operations ... but what they are specifically designed for is a mass shooting," Heinrich stated, highlighting that the bill he was aiming to pass enjoys bipartisan support.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also advocated for a ban on the Senate floor, asserting, "The Senate must step up and pass a federal ban on bump stocks – a common-sense safety measure."
However, Ricketts criticized the bill as overzealous, stating, "This bill would outlaw any item that makes a firearm easier and in some instances safer to fire."
"It's not really about bump stocks; this bill is about banning as many firearm accessories as conceivable," he added. "It's an unconstitutional attack on law-abiding gun owners."
Earlier this week, several senior Republican senators voiced a tentative willingness to restrict bump stock usage, but others argued against it.
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated, "No," he does not support any legislation restricting or banning bump stocks – a significant obstacle for any potential bill.
"The court ruling was correct," he added.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas, running for Senate GOP leader, told reporters, "I've been part of negotiations regarding firearms, and I'd be open to listening to what people propose."
When asked if it's a good idea for Congress to intervene, he was hesitant: "I need to see what they want to do."
Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia also did not rule out supporting bump stocks legislation.
"I believe my understanding of the decision is that Congress needs to act on this. So we'll see if someone brings something forward, and then I'll examine it then," she said.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut indicated that he would connect with Republicans who might be interested in bump stocks legislation to explore potential avenues forward.
Murphy suggested it would be challenging to reach a deal in the current political climate, but he noted that there are numerous Republicans who have stated that bump stocks should be banned.
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Despite Senator Heinrich's argument that bump stocks have no practical use and have bipartisan support, Senator Ricketts viewed the proposed bill as an overreach and an unconstitutional attack on law-abiding gun owners.
In response to Senate Majority Leader Schumer's call for a federal ban on bump stocks, Senator Ricketts objected to the bill, labeling it as excessive and potentially limiting the use of firearm accessories.
