A Republican lawmaker is set to thwart a Democratic effort in the Senate to reinstate a federal ban on bump stocks, which were recently deemed legal by the Supreme Court. Bump stocks are firearm accessories that enable rapid firing of weapons.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Democrats would push for a vote on legislation to ban bump stocks. He highlighted the importance of restoring the public safety rule and urged Republican senators to support the measure.
The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision to strike down the Trump-era ban on bump stocks sparked criticism from Democrats. Sen. Martin Heinrich plans to request unanimous consent for a vote on the Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act, but a Republican senator is expected to object.
Sen. Heinrich emphasized the urgency of banning bump stocks, stating that these devices serve no legitimate purpose and pose a threat to public safety. However, several Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, have indicated their opposition to a legislative fix.
Despite the pushback from Republicans, Sen. Schumer called on his colleagues to prioritize the safety of Americans by supporting the ban on bump stocks. He warned against the potential consequences of allowing these accessories to remain legal.
Following the Supreme Court's ruling, former President Trump's campaign emphasized the importance of respecting the decision. The debate over bump stocks continues to divide lawmakers along party lines, with Democrats advocating for stricter gun control measures and Republicans expressing concerns about potential restrictions on Second Amendment rights.