Senate Republicans Block S.1909 Bump Stock Ban After Supreme Court Overturns Trump-Era Rule

Jun 18, 2024, 08:39 PM

Senate Democrats attempted to pass the BUMP Act (S.1909), legislation aimed at reinstating a federal ban on bump stocks, following the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn a Trump-era ban on the device. The BUMP Act, introduced by Senator Martin Heinrich, seeks to prohibit bump stocks, which convert semi-automatic firearms into machine guns, facilitating mass shootings. Despite previous bipartisan support for such measures, Senate Republicans, led by Senator Pete Ricketts, blocked the bill, arguing it was vaguely worded and infringed on gun rights. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sought unanimous consent for the bill, emphasizing the need to return to the status quo set by Trump. The Supreme Court's decision has reignited the debate over gun control, with Democrats emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent future tragedies like the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, where a bump stock-equipped gun was used to kill 60 people and injure over 400. Schumer criticized the MAGA Supreme Court for its radical decision.