Assault Weapons Ban Won't be in Dems' Gun Bill

Assault Weapons Ban Won't be in Dems' Gun Bill - The Missourian: National Politics

Joe Raedle

Rock River Arms AR-15

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 18: In this photo illustration, a Rock River Arms AR-15 rifle is seen with ammunition on December 18, 2012 in Miami, Florida. The weapon is similar in style to the Bushmaster AR-15 rifle that was used during a massacre at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Firearm sales have surged recently as speculation of stricter gun laws and a re-instatement of the assault weapons ban following the mass shooting. (Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ** TCN OUT **

Posted: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 12:51 pm | Updated: 1:16 pm, Tue Mar 19, 2013.

Assault Weapons Ban Won't be in Dems' Gun Bill Associated Press |

WASHINGTON (AP) — The sponsor of a proposed assault weapons ban says Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has told her that the ban will not be part of the initial gun control measure the Senate will debate next month.

California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein says that instead of being included in the measure, the ban will be offered as an amendment.

The decision, which was expected, means that the ban seems to stand little chance of surviving because of expected solid opposition from Republicans and likely defections from some moderate Democrats.

The ban was one of four gun control measures approved this month by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The others would expand required federal background checks for firearms buyers, increase federal penalties for illegal gun trafficking and boost school safety money.

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Posted in National politics on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 12:51 pm. Updated: 1:16 pm.