Sen. Joe Manchin is accusing the NRA of using unfounded scare tactics to make gun owners believe that universal background checks on gun sales could lead to restrictions violating their Second Amendment rights.
"I'm frustrated with any organization that basically is saying things — and what they're doing is they're rattling the cage — saying: Well, if [Congress does] this, they’re going to do this. It's a first step," Manchin said Tuesday on "
CBS This Morning."
The West Virginia Democrat, whose past voting record has received an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association, insisted the background check amendment he put together with Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey would not impose or lead to any new restrictions on law-abiding gun owners.
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The Manchin-Toomey amendment was defeated last month after it fell six votes shy of the 60 needed for passage. But Manchin told CBS he's working to bring the measure back up for a second vote.
“I truly believe the background checks bill is possible,” he said. “We’re going to have to make some adjustments to it, find out where the comfort zone is. ...
"This bill not only protects the Second Amendment, it expands the Second Amendment," he added.
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