Sunday, March 07, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

WASHINGTON DIGEST: Senate abandons gun legislation

Bill to shield industry from lawsuits defeated after addition of gun-control amendments

WASHINGTON -- The Senate last week defeated legislation that would have shielded the gun industry from certain crime-victim lawsuits, after Democrats succeeded in adding several gun-control amendments to the bill. Senators voted 90-8 to kill the bill, which would have limited lawsuits against gun dealers, manufacturers, distributors and importers.

Republicans abruptly withdrew support for their own measure following the passage of amendments to renew a 10-year ban on military-style assault weapons, and to require background checks for customers at gun shows.

The original bill had the support of Senate Republicans, several Democrats, the White House and the gun lobby.

But the National Rifle Association disowned the bill after the amendments were added, and sponsors soon followed suit.

Some senators also pointed to a dispute between Republican and Democratic leaders over whether to negotiate with the House, which passed a similar bill last year that did not contain gun controls.

Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev., voted against the bill.

Assault-weapons ban

Voting 52-47, the Senate passed an amendment by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to extend by 10 years a ban on the importation and manufacturing of 19 models of military-style assault weapons. The current ban expires on Sept. 13.

Supporters argued the ban has curbed violent crimes. Opponents argued an assault weapon is a gun already regulated by federal law. Reid and Ensign voted against the amendment.

Gun show check

The Senate voted 53-46 for an amendment requiring all gun buyers at private shows to undergo a government background check.

Amendment sponsor Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and other supporters argued the gun safety law contains a loophole that would allow people to purchase a firearm from an unlicensed dealer.

An opponent, Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, challenged whether a loophole existed.

"If there is a loophole in a gun show, there is one outside of a gun show," he said.

Reid voted for the amendment, while Ensign voted against it.

Job export amendment

The Senate began debating a corporate tax bill. During debate, senators approved 70-26 an amendment by Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., that would bar government contractors from using federal funds to send jobs overseas.

Supporters said the proposal would bar government-supported firms from using foreign workers at the expense of U.S. workers. Opponents said the proposal would violate trade rules and invite retaliation from foreign firms who hire American workers.

Reid and Ensign voted for the amendment.