Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., blocked a Democratic attempt on Tuesday to force a vote in the Senate on a bump stock ban, which would restore the federal rule recently struck down by the Supreme Court.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., revealed on Sunday that Democrats would attempt to force a vote on legislation to ban bump stocks, which are firearm accessories that assist in firing weapons in more rapid succession.
“The Senate can help restore this public safety rule, and next week, it will try. As majority leader, I have the ability to allow a unanimous consent vote, and we’ll see just what Republican MAGAs do: Will they allow it to go forward, or will they cower to MAGA and hurt the American people?” he said during a news conference, reported by CBS News.
The Supreme Court ruled last week 6-3 to strike down a federal rule put in place during the Trump administration that banned bump stocks. The court’s decision prompted backlash from Democrats.
Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., requested unanimous consent Tuesday afternoon to proceed with a vote on his bill, the Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act. However, Ricketts’ objection prevented the bill from being brought for a vote.
“This bill would ban literally any item that makes a firearm easier and sometimes safer to shoot,” Ricketts said of the bill.
