The dramatic sit-in on gun violence House Democrats staged last month has gotten the expected result—votes on guns. But, as expected from Speaker Paul Ryan, the votes will likely be on legislation that's pre-approved by the NRA. Of course.
The chamber will vote this week on an “anti-terrorism” package that includes a gun-control proposal similar to that offered by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and already rejected by the Senate. […]
The Cornyn proposal is backed by the NRA and most Senate Republicans. House Democrats adamantly oppose the Republican plan, which they see an empty political ploy. Democrats continue to demand a vote on their own version of the “no fly, no buy” gun measure, as well as enhanced background checks for all gun sales. Republican leaders have firmly rejected those two initiatives.
Ryan also declined an invitation to address the Democratic caucus in the House, but he is deigning to meet with Reps. John Lewis of Georgia and John Larson of Connecticut, who led the Democrats' sit-in. Lewis and Larson will try to get Ryan to allow votes on their measures, which is probably not going to happen. Ryan doesn't want any of his members to have to take those votes, nor does he care what Democrats want. Then there's the NRA and an election in just a few months time. And this: "Ryan and other top Republican leaders don’t want to be seen as giving in to the Democratic protest, believing it will fuel more such moves."
There will be more action from Democrats and those actions will continue to demonstrate just how much Republicans are in the pocket of the NRA. They will show that the only thing Republicans have to offer in response to the ongoing slaughter of Americans by guns is thoughts and prayers.