Congress Returns To Fierce Pressure From National Gun Debate

What’s the story?

Despite widespread public support of various gun control measures, the gun control debate has been at a standstill in Congress for decades. That seems to be changing, and lawmakers are returning to work today under fierce pressure to take action in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, FL.

Some of the ideas being floated by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle include:

• Raising the minimum age for purchasing assault rifles from 18 to 21.

• Banning of large-capacity magazines.

• Banning sales of assault weapons.

• Improving reporting by government agencies to the federal background check system.

• Expanding background check requirements to gun shows and private sales online.

• Banning bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to mimic automatic ones.

• Incentivizing states to enact red flag laws.

The president has also advocated for arming teachers (a proposal backed by the NRA).

Some of the historical reasons why gun control debates get stymied -- Republicans are afraid of being primaried by more conservative challengers, and Democrats don’t want to agree to efforts they feel are too incremental, may still come into play.

But public sentiment is changing rapidly on some of the measures. Federal lawmakers are also getting pressure from both Democratic and Republican governors, who are themselves dealing with public pressure back home.

What do you think?

Will this time be different? If so, why? What, if any, gun control measures do you support? Which ones do you not support?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Elvert Barnes via Flickr / Creative Commons)