Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is not including a ban on so-called assault weapons in Senate Democrats legislative package on guns. Reid says he wants to bring a gun bill to the Senate with enough support to overcome any Republican efforts to block debate.
Many Democrats think a ban on large-capacity magazines has a better chance of getting 60 votes. The legislation will be considered on the Senate floor in April.
The Senate still plans to vote on the ban, but only as an amendment to the larger gun bill. Also
being explored as part of the legislation are a bill to broaden
background checks for gun buyers, a school safety measure and
legislation to make gun trafficking and straw purchasing a felony
punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
