November 5th, 2008
The new House of Representatives will have a pro-gun majority on a normal vote. The Pelosi-Hoyer leadership will certainly not be pro-Second Amendment; but that leadership has recognized that its majority is precarious without pro-gun Democrats. However, a generally sympathetic majority does not guarantee victory for the pro-rights side if the President invests major political capital, as President Clinton did in 1994 to pass the ban on so-called “assault weapons” by a single vote.
And the on the Senate:
More than enough votes to hold a filibuster, if the Senators with the votes have the will to hold. Especially considering that there are about eight Democrat Senators who would readily self-identy as “pro-gun” and several more who might vote that way. And considering that the Republican caucus contains no Republicans worse than a C (as graded by the NRA).
A reader in the comments section:
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Correct. That means gun sales will continue to be strong. At least for a few more months.
Robb: Obama – 2008′s Gun Salesman of the year
November 7th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Obama’s Change.gov website lists his intention to re-implement the AWB. This time though, he plans to make it permanent. There will be no sunset provision.
I wonder if they’ll try to use HR 1022 for this- its already been sent to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. Under these definitions an M1 carbine qualifies as an assault weapon.
A Keyboard and a .45 notes that the venerable 1911 (among other handguns) could be banned too-
http://akeyboardanda45.blogspot.com/2007/03/firearms-banned-by-hr-1022.html
Kopel, IMHO, is being overly generous towards Republicans in the Senate. The GOP has been remarkably spineless during Bush’s administration. I see no evidence that under Obama they will suddenly change. But I hope I’m wrong.
And that doesn’t even begin to cover other Dem plans to ban “sniper rifles” or “armour piercing ammunition”…