Senate Republicans Block Gun Reform Debate Right After Saugus High School Shooting
Shortly after news of the latest deadly school shooting broke, Republicans blocked a debate on gun reform from happening on the Senate floor.
Republican senators shot down attempts to discuss gun reform right after another school shooting took place.
OnThursday, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) asked for the Senate to immediately consider and discuss the Bipartisan Background Checks Act (H.R. 8), which would establish new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties, or unlicensed individuals.
But Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) was quick to object to the motion, saying it would “affect the rights of American citizens under the Second Amendment.”
Senator Smith’s objection took place on the same day as the shooting at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, which left two dead and three injured. Sen. Murphy tweeted about the exchange later that day.
The House passed H.R. 8 in February 2019, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has not taken up the bill.
“Senator McConnell can decide to bring any measure to the floor, and so, if the concern is that there hasn’t been enough Republican input into the question of whether criminals, or terrorists, or people who are seriously mentally ill get guns, then convene a discussion on this,” Sen. Murphy said during the Thursday motion. “Bring a debate to the floor. Have a process in the Judiciary Committee. Don’t just stay silent.”
Officials say the Saugus High School gunman used a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. He was taken to the hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and is in grave condition.