This article appeared in print and digital editions under different titles.
The underlines are mine.
"Senate Democrats plan to introduce after the Easter recess a bill widely supported by both parties that would increase the penalties for people who buy guns for those barred from having them, known as straw purchasing. But Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, told (Dianne) Feinstein on Monday that her assault weapons ban would not be included in the bill...
...This month, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed four pieces of gun legislation: the straw purchasing measure, the assault weapons ban, which included limits on gun magazine sizes, a grant program for school security and enhanced background checks for gun buyers..."
- Because not all of these proposed regulations have enough votes to avoid the filibuster, Mr. Reid now plans to introduce only the straw purchasing measure to the full Senate.
"...(The bill) may be expanded to include the enhanced background checks. But Mr. Reid is weighing the relative merits of bringing that measure to the floor, which for now has limited support from Republicans.
Mr. Reid said he would allow the assault weapons ban and limits on magazine sizes to be offered as amendments, Ms. Feinstein said...
...But a bill that is limited to stemming straw purchases would be all but certain to enrage groups that have been seeking broader legislation. They want measures that would make it more difficult for criminals and mentally ill people to obtain firearms and would limit the size of magazines.
If Mr. Reid considers only the straw purchasing measure, it is likely that senators who favor gun rights will offer a flood of pro-gun amendments...which could essentially turn a bill intended to strengthen gun regulations into one that enhances gun rights.
Mr. Reid must also weigh whether to add a provision that would extend background checks to private sales of guns...While that idea has broad support among Democrats and some Republicans, many oppose it because it would require the same record-keeping that is done by gun stores..."
- And without record-keeping, what would be the point? We just take their word for it that a background check was done? How effective do you think that would be? New York State now requires background checks and record keeping at all gun shows. The New York Times investigated several gun shows last month and found that they were compliant with the new requirement. Gun show organizers, gun sellers and gun buyers reported very few problems. So it can be done!
"...As it stands, the assault weapons ban will probably still receive a vote as an amendment to the underlying package, as will a separate measure that would limit magazine sizes to 10 rounds..."
- These amendments have little chance of getting 60 votes. The least we can say is that we will have a record of which Senators value their NRA money over the safety of the people.
"...'The enemies on this are very powerful,' Ms. Feinstein said, referring to the National Rifle Association. 'I've known that all my life.'"
No comments:
Post a Comment