House Democrats are mounting a fresh attempt at passing gun control legislation by pushing Republicans on an assault weapons ban, The Washington Post reports.
Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Ga., is leading the push for an assault weapons ban, along with Reps. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., and Mike Thompson, D-Calif., who are looking to attach bills to expand background checks for gun purchases.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said on Tuesday that Democrats plan to put the GOP on notice over the issue, just before the three Democrats introduced their petitions on the floor of the House, the Post reports.
"While the American people are calling for progress, it remains clear House Republican leadership refuses to take this issue seriously. The American people deserve more from their elected representatives," said Thompson, who the Post notes has repeatedly introduced bipartisan bills to expand background checks over the last 10 years. "Action on gun violence prevention is long overdue. The only question is will Republicans join us in bringing these bills up for a vote."
House Democrats previously passed an assault weapons ban last year, but five Democrats voted against the legislation and only two Republicans voted in favor of it. The Senate never voted on the legislation.
"I think, basically, there will be a great distinction between what we do with our discharge petitions and what my Republican colleagues are doing with Mr. Clyde," McBath said on Tuesday, referring to Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., who recently introduced a bill to roll back a regulation on a firearm accessory.
McBath added, "I'm willing to help this process play out, however long it takes."
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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