A democratically led US House of Representatives panel initiated a long awaited debate over legislation that would ban specific assault-style rifles amidst the rising amount of mass shootings. Additionally, discussion around a bill that would allow lawsuits against firearm manufacturers. While this is an encouraging step in the right direction to move gun law enforcement, there are still many political hoops that it must jump through before even being considered to be discussed by the senate.
The biggest concern that these House Representatives have with the movement of this legislation is that at least 10 Republicans must agree to have the bills be brought up for debate. Historically, Republicans have been known to reject bills similar to this by defending the 2nd amendment of the United States Constitution, that being the right to bear arms. This amendment and its morbidity has been particularly relevant in recent years, as the amount of mass murders in the US has steadily been increasing- especially within recent months.
On the 4th of July during a parade, in Highland Park, IL, spectators and those within the vicinity were some of the most recent victims of this lack of legislation over assault weaponry when yet another mass shooting occurred. The Mayor of Highland Park, who was present during the presence of the shooter, has since had the opportunity to speak upon her concerns, and even do so with President Biden. In a recent interview with POLITICO, Mayor Nancy Rotering said “These guns need to be removed from the public’s access. These are military weapons. Unless they’re in combat, it just doesn’t make sense”.
Mid-June, Biden signed a bipartisan gun bill that was intended to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from purchasing assault weapons and firearms. The bill was set to expand the background evaluation of whomever is attempting to purchase said gun- yet, Republican Senate members were persistent on supporting and backing the NRA.
Additionally, republicans also objected bills that would raise the minimum age for buying semi-automatic assault weapons to 21 from 18. If the panel approves these new bills, the House is likely to follow through with passing them. However, it is seemingly unlikely that this will be the case, considering a favored Republican win in the upcoming midterm elections in November. The future of these bills are, as a result, hold a lot of weight for our country’s future.
This blog post is part of the CIMA Law Group blog. If you are located in Arizona and are seeking legal services, CIMA Law Group specializes in Immigration Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Government Relations.
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