Official Senate records and announcements

Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump-Era Federal Ban on Bump Stocks in 6-3 Decision

Jun 18, 2024, 03:24 AM

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a federal ban on bump stocks, a device that enables semi-automatic rifles to function similarly to fully automatic firearms. This decision overturns a Trump-era regulation and has prompted a strong response from various stakeholders, including survivors of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, gun control advocates, and lawmakers. Delaware’s ban on bump stocks, used in the Las Vegas attack, is also in jeopardy. Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Heinrich, are planning to introduce legislation to reinstate the ban, known as the BUMP Act. The bill, which is expected to be brought to the Senate floor soon, has bipartisan support but faces opposition from some Republican senators, including Tim Scott. The ruling, authored by Justice Clarence Thomas and passed with a 6-3 majority, has sparked a broader debate on gun control and the authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to regulate such devices. The Las Vegas shooting, where a bump stock-equipped gun was used to kill 60 people, remains a critical point of reference in this debate.