With President Donald Trump indicating that his administration will crack down on bump stocks, a Florida congressman’s bill banning bump stocks is gaining momentum on Capitol Hill.
Trump took to Twitter at the end of last week to weigh in on bump stocks.
"Obama administration legalized bump stocks,” Trump posted on Twitter. “Bad idea. As I promised, today the Department of Justice will issue the rule banning bump stocks with a mandated comment period.
"We will ban all devices that turn legal weapons into illegal machine guns," Trump added.
After a shooting which left almost 60 dead and 500 wounded in Las Vegas, in October, U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., unveiled a proposal banning bump stocks. Last week, the Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus threw its support the bill.
“For the first time in decades, there is growing bipartisan consensus for sensible gun policy, a polarizing issue that has deeply divided Republicans and Democrats,” Curbelo said on Friday. “This common-sense legislation will ban devices that blatantly circumvent already existing law without restricting Second Amendment rights. I’m grateful for the Problem Solvers Caucus’ support and hope that paired with the activism of Americans across the nation we can build enough momentum to stir even more of my colleagues to join us in supporting policies that could mitigate and prevent similar gun violence tragedies in the future.”
"This endorsement is clear proof that bipartisan interest in taking action to end gun violence exists in this Congress, and I truly hope Speaker Ryan is listening,” Moulton said. “Children should never live in fear that a weapon of war will be used in their classroom, home, or community. Passage of my bill is an easy first step we can take to help make our communities safer. The ATF's own director has indicated that legislation is a better path towards actual change than the regulatory process. What this country needs most right now is leaders with the courage to do their jobs and legislate. We have a lot to learn from kids who are marching this weekend. I applaud the Problem Solvers for joining me in recognizing that silence and inaction are no longer options.”
The bill is currently before the U.S. House Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee. Curbelo has reeled in almost 40 cosponsors including three fellow Florida Republicans: U.S. Reps. Brian Mast, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Dennis Ross.
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