Dems Push Assault Weapons Ban Through Senate Panel

WASHINGTON (AP) —

Democrats pushed an assault weapons ban through a Senate committee on Thursday and toward its likely doom on the Senate floor, after an emotion-laden debate that underscored the deep feelings the issue stokes on both sides.

Exactly three months after 26 children and educators were gunned down in Newtown, Conn., the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the measure on a party-line 10-8 vote. The bill would also bar ammunition magazines carrying more than 10 rounds.

Thursday’s vote marked the fourth gun-control measure the committee has approved in a week and shifted the spotlight to the full Senate. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he will decide soon how to bring the measures to the chamber, where debate is expected next month.

“Americans are looking to us for solutions and for action,” said Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). He said that despite gun-rights advocates’ claims, the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms is not at risk, but “lives are at risk”unless lawmakers can figure out how to keep firearms away from dangerous people.

The other bills would require federal background checks on more would-be gun buyers, make it easier for authorities to prosecute illegal gun traffickers, and boost school safety aid.

In a written statement, President Barack Obama thanked senators “for taking another step forward in our common effort to help reduce gun violence” and said Congress should vote on all the proposals. He said assault weapons “are designed for the battlefield, and they have no place on our streets, in our schools, or threatening our law enforcement officers.”

Many expect the assault weapons ban won’t be included in the basic bill the Senate debates next month, but will be offered as an amendment.

To Read The Full Story

Are you already a subscriber?
Click to log in!