Bipartisan Senate gun bill gets icy reception from House Republicans

The bipartisan Senate gun bill cleared a procedural vote Tuesday with support from more than a quarter of Senate Republicans, including top party leaders. But by Wednesday it was clear it wouldn’t get the same reception from House Republicans.

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., announced he would formally whip against it. House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said the bill “shreds the Constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans with no effect on deterring criminals.” And House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., will oppose the bill, his office confirmed. 

“In an effort to slowly chip away at law-abiding citizens’ 2nd Amendment rights, this legislation takes the wrong approach in attempting to curb violent crimes,” Scalise said in a whip notice Wednesday. 

SCALISE TO WHIP HOUSE REPUBLICANS AGAINST SENATE GUN BILL

“Since Biden’s election, Democrats have failed at every level. There’s literally only one way Republicans can lose the midterms,” Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., said in a press conference. “That’s exactly what these 14 RINOs, Republicans in name only, have done in the Senate.” 

She called the bill unconstitutional and said Republicans would try to defund it if it passes.

Officially titled the “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” the senators involved in the bill released the final text of it Tuesday night after weeks of negotiations. 

SENATE VOTES TO ADVANCE BIPARTISAN GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION

The bill would provide funding for states to create programs that could keep weapons away from people who are dangers to themselves or others, often called red flag laws. It would also enhance background checks for gun buyers under 21, add penalties for some gun criminals and provide funding for a variety of health and mental health-related programs. 

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., led a press conference Wednesday attacking Republicans who are supporting the bipartisan Senate gun bill. 
(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the top GOP negotiator on the bill, has emphasized that it “will not infringe on any law-abiding American’s Second Amendment rights.” And Senate Republicans who support the bill are also highlighting what they say are negotiating wins, including that the bill doesn’t expand…