Republicans Block Senate Democrats’ Efforts to Ban Guns, Expand Background Checks

Gun rights groups vow to continue opposition to so-called ‘assault weapons ban’ and universal background checks should they become law.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 2, 2023. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Republicans blocked Democrat efforts in the Senate to ban certain types of semi-automatic rifles and to require universal criminal background checks for firearms sales on Dec. 6.

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) objected to a call for unanimous consent on a so-called “assault weapons ban” by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate Majority leader.