Democrats to Propose Weapons Ban, Gun Confiscation Powers in Bill Inspired by Trump

Senate Democrats said they will introduce a gun control bill that would expand background checks, ban certain weapons, and give the courts the power to temporarily take guns away from people who are deemed to be a threat to themselves or others, after President Trump offered support for these goals in a White House discussion Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the only way to advance the measure in the GOP-led Senate is with the endorsement and help from President Trump. He described a scenario in which the Senate could pass Schumer’s proposal with mostly Democratic support and a few Republicans encouraged by Trump.

“The NRA has had the Republican Party in a headlock for decades,” Schumer said. “Only the president — this president — will have the power to overcome their strength and get his Republican allies on Capitol Hill to move to a place that embraces common sense gun safety policies.”

Schumer acknowledged GOP leaders aren’t likely to simply bring up the proposal for a vote without pressure from the president. He said he has not yet spoken to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., about the bill . . .

Trump on Wednesday upended the stalled gun control legislation debate during a televised meeting with lawmakers in which he appeared to side with Democrats. During the meeting, Trump told lawmakers he endorsed universal background checks, raising the age for gun purchases, and said he would even consider supporting a ban on guns like AR-15 style rifles like the one that was used in the high school shooting in Florida last month. (Read more from “Democrats to Propose Weapons Ban, Gun Confiscation Powers in Bill Inspired by Trump” HERE)

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