The Amendments and how the vote went

[Rapier]

Paul B posted this on 4/18 at another site and I think he would be OK with my posting it here for your information. It is from Gun Owners of AZ.
Ed


Dear firearm enthusiast:

Today was a huge day. Debate began on Senator Reid’s bill with the offering of nine (9) amendments. They voted on seven (7) and will consider the other two tomorrow (See below).

I want to thank each and every one of you for contacting both Senator Flake and McCain. YOU made the difference. Because of your emails and phone calls, we all dodged a bullet today (pun intended).


“We are not giving up, and this is not over. I will do everything I can to continue our efforts to pass stronger background checks.” -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

“I see this as just round one.” -- President Barack Obama


Here is a synopsis of the Senate floor action from today.



· Manchin-Toomey Amendment – Failed 54-46. Senator Flake voted our way and Senator McCain voted as expected and voted for the amendment.

· Feinstein Amendment – Failed 40-60. Both Senator Flake and McCain voted no. This amendment banned Personal Defense Weapons.

· Lautenberg Amendment – Failed 46-54. Both Senator Flake and McCain voted no. This amendment banned magazines with a capacity greater than 10 cartridges.

· Cornyn Amendment – Failed 57-43. Both Senator Flake and McCain voted yes. This amendment allowed for national reciprocity.

· Burr Amendment – Failed 56-44. Both Senator Flake and McCain voted yes. This amendment required a Court to rule, not just a Board or Commission, on whether a veteran could own a firearm.

· Leahy Amendment – Failed 58-42. Both Senator Flake and McCain voted no. This amendment increased penalties for trafficking and straw purchases.

· Grassley Amendment - Failed 52-48. Both Senator Flake and McCain voted yes. This amendment was a substitute for the Manchin-Toomey amendment.


There are two amendments left to consider. The Senate will vote on them tomorrow.


· Barrasso Amendment – If passed it would withhold federal funds for states that disclose gun owners’ information.

· Harkin Amendment – If passed it would expand federal mental health programs, including in education, suicide prevention and trauma centers.

So what now?

We have the two amendments tomorrow and then Senator Reid will either bring S. 649 to the floor for a vote or he could hold it and hope to negotiate another amendment. He did change his vote to a no on the Manchin-Toomey amendment as a procedural move allowing him to bring it back to the floor. This is not over by any means so stay tuned.

We will have to wait and see how things unfold tomorrow.

In liberty,


Ken Rineer

President, Gun Owners of Arizona