Yesterday, during the amendment process to the GOP’s bill to repeal the ACA and defund Planned parenthood, the Senate took up three amendments related to reducing gun violence, as well as two amendments to weaken gun laws. All failed.
Mental Health
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) offered an amendment to improve mental health and substance use prevention and treatment.
It was voted down 52 to 47. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) were the only Republicans to join Democrats in voting for it.
Background Checks
Joe Manchin (D-WV) brought back up the “Manchin-Toomey” compromise background checks bill from two years ago. It was voted down 50 to 48.
Four Republicans voted for it: Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Kirk (R-IL), John McCain (R-AZ), and Pat Toomey (R-PA). Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) voted against it.
Terrorist Watch List
Dianne Feinstein offered an amendment to permit the Attorney General to deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of firearms and explosives licenses to known or suspected dangerous terrorists.
It was voted down 54 to 45. Mark Kirk (R-IL) joined Democrats, and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) joined Republicans.
Expanding Loopholes to Gun Control
Chuck Grassley (R-IA) offered an amendment that nominally appears to support gun control but, in fact, expands loopholes. It also reduces funding for “sanctuary cities” and to expand loopholes.
The vote was 53 to 46, 7 short of passage. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) joined Democrats, but for different reasons. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) joined Republicans.
Concealed Carry
Rand Paul (R-KY) offered an amendment to allow concealed carry in the District of Columbia.
The vote was 54 to 45, six votes short of passage. Mark Kirk (R-IL) again joined Democrats, and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) joined Republicans.