Poli Alert Political & Civics
Related Articles
Jimmy Williams
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans on Sunday to bring a vote this week on restoring a ban on bump stocks.
These devices significantly increase the firing rate of semi-automatic weapons. Schumer’s move follows the Supreme Court’s recent decision to invalidate a federal rule that outlawed bump stocks.
At a news conference, Schumer criticized the Supreme Court, calling it a “MAGA court” and accusing it of veering “off the edges of the far right yet again.” He emphasized his intention to seek unanimous consent for the vote, which can be blocked by just one opposing lawmaker.
Schumer described the bump stock ban as “common sense” and urged the Senate to help restore this “public safety rule.” He called on Republicans to join him in protecting the American people.
President Joe Biden also urged Congress to pass legislation banning bump stocks after the Supreme Court’s decision, promising to sign such a bill into law. “Today’s decision strikes down an important gun safety regulation,” Biden said. “Americans should not have to live in fear of this mass devastation.”
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court determined that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) had overstepped its authority when it issued the bump stock ban in 2018. This ban was implemented following the 2017 mass shooting at a Las Vegas music festival, the deadliest in U.S. history. The court’s decision followed ideological lines.
Schumer stressed that the only way to permanently close this loophole is through legislation. “Senate Democrats are ready to pass legislation to ban bump stocks, but we will need votes from Senate Republicans,” he said.
