Washington, DC – Senate Democrats are pushing to reinstate a ban on bump stocks, accessories that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly. This comes after the Supreme Court recently struck down the ban imposed during the Trump administration. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to put the legislation to a vote using a procedure called unanimous consent, which requires no objections from lawmakers.
Schumer emphasized the importance of the bump stock ban, stating that it aligns with the stance set by former President Trump. He called on Republicans to support the measure, pointing out their previous backing for such a ban under the previous administration. The Senator criticized those who viewed the ban as unnecessary, highlighting the tragic consequences of the Las Vegas mass shooting.
One Republican lawmaker, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, has joined as a co-sponsor for the bump stock legislation. The Supreme Court’s decision revolved around the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives overreaching its authority in banning bump stocks. The ruling clarified that a semi-automatic rifle with a bump stock did not classify as a machine gun, as each shot still required the trigger to be released and engaged.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, President Biden urged Congress to pass a ban on bump stocks, vowing to sign it into law. Justice Clarence Thomas emphasized in the majority opinion that a bump stock does not transform a semi-automatic rifle into a machine gun. Meanwhile, Justice Samuel Alito pointed to the Las Vegas tragedy as a reason to reconsider the law and prohibit bump stocks.
The ban on bump stocks was implemented in 2019 after the Las Vegas shooter used semi-automatic rifles equipped with these accessories to carry out a devastating attack. In response to the Court’s decision, President Biden condemned the potential threat these devices pose and called for swift legislative action to prevent further tragedies.