Washington-Senator John Tester (D-Mont.) Has said he does not support new restrictions on semi-automatic rifles, such as weapons used in mass murder. Shooting in Uvalde, Texas and countless other hunts in recent years.
“Right now, no,” the gun-toting tester told HuffPost on Wednesday.
When specifically asked about raising the minimum age for the purchase of such a firearm, the senator proposed expanding background checks and avoiding the acquisition of firearms for the mentally ill.
“I think it’s all questionable,” Tester said, expressing frustration with the situation so far. “I want to have a debate in the Senate right now … but we will talk a long way about background control, besides, nothing. Hopefully we can deliver something. This problem will not go away. “
A spokesman for the Tester added that the senator believes Congress should be “focused on decisions that can get at least 60 votes in the Senate.”
Federal law restricts the sale of firearms by authorized dealers to buyers over 21 years old, while allowing 18 -year -olds to purchase rifles and shotguns. The 18-year-olds accused of legally buying semi-automatic weapons have been charged with recent mass shootings in Wawald and Buffalo, New York.
Senate Democrats introduced legislation last month that would raise the minimum age for the purchase of semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity ammunition from 18 to 21. Senators on both sides expressed readiness to do so against elementary background. Shooting in Uvalde, in which 19 children were killed.
Senator Joe Mancin (W.Va.), a Red State Democrat with a pro gun view, this week wondered why people need high-powered AR-style rifles.
“I never thought I would need this kind of high -capacity automatic weapon,” Mancini said. He told CNN on Monday. “I love to shoot, I love to go out and hunt. I love walking sports shooting. I do it all. But I didn’t feel I needed something this big ”.
Senator Johnny Ernst (Iowa), a member of the GOP leadership, said Wednesday he was open to the idea of raising the age for buying long guns.
“I understand the pros and cons of the people in Iowa and people on both sides of the matter, so I’m just trying to be open-minded because we take it all in … I’m not,” Ernst said. . HuffPost.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell “has also personally expressed willingness to raise the age for obtaining assault weapons to 21,” although the Kentucky Republican is not currently required to do so as part of the law. According to Politico.
Yet many other Republicans are clearly opposed to any new gun regulations, including a ban on the purchase of semi-automatic shotguns for teens. To protect the need for such weapons, some lawmakers cited the declared desire of their constituents to shoot animals like pigs. raccoonsAnd prairie dogs.
“In my state, they use them to shoot dogs in the meadow and other tools,” said John Thun (RSD) of the Senate minority. He told CNN Earlier this week.
Asked by HuffPost if pot killing is reason enough for adults to buy AR-style guns, Tun said this is the best issue in individual states, indicating increasing age for buying guns in the country. Florida. For example, mass shootings.
He also clarified that the AR-15 Prairie is not needed to shoot the dogs.
“They can shoot dogs on the prairie with other things, but they’re hobbies, sports, hunters,” Tun said.
Senator Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), Another gun owner in the state where hunting is popular, said AR-15 rifles are not made for recreational use and should be banned.
“We use them in war zones, we should not use them in orphanages. There is no need for them. “I have a gun, I also have a target in my yard,” Lehi said.
“In Vermont, we limit the number of rounds you can complete in a semi-automatic deer season. The state should limit the number of rounds and protect children.” Deer can take care of themselves, “he said. he added.
At the same time, the tester said that using the AR-15 in shooting small animals was impractical.
“I don’t have the money to shoot prairie dogs with a gun that fires very fast. Now give it to me. 308 [rifle]“And you can remove them remotely,” he said.
Arthur Delaney participated in the report.
Source: Huffpost
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.