More than 20 House Democrats have challenged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to divide the party’s gun control bill into smaller parts to increase the likelihood of passing the legislation.
The move comes as some Democrats grow concerned over making at least some progress ahead of challenging midterm election battles in November.
Swing district Dems break with Pelosi, call for gun package to be split into smaller bills https://t.co/NcidY67ULi
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 2, 2022
Deserve specific attention
“Rep. Spanberger and her colleagues who signed this letter look forward to moving all of these measures forward, and they believe that each merits its own vote,” a spokesperson for Virginia Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger said.
“The American people expect action, and they deserve to see which proposals can move forward, as well as which specific proposals GOP lawmakers are refusing to support,” the spokesperson added.
21 House Democrats ask party leaders to split up gun legislation package https://t.co/sGdNsXCljZ pic.twitter.com/lNlbkUlu9q
— New York Post (@nypost) June 3, 2022
A massive gun grab attempt
“The package includes legislation that would raise the legal age to buy semi-automatic rifles to 21, outlaw high-capacity magazines, strengthen gun storage requirements and combat untraceable ‘ghost guns,’ among other gun control measures,” according to the New York Post.
The large bill increases the chances it will not pass due to Republican opposition as well as concerns from some Democrats.
21 Democrats ask leaders to split up gun package https://t.co/vtE1uJpD5I pic.twitter.com/W9bNJtpMul
— The Hill (@thehill) June 3, 2022
The current bill, called the Protect Our Kids Act, is a bold attempt to force House members to choose either extreme gun control or oppose gun legislation following a string of mass shootings.
The attempt to create smaller bills would give Congress a better chance at passing legislation.
Pelosi may not want to weaken her gun control plans, but will likely be forced to in order to get the votes needed to get a win anytime soon.