Senate Republicans Block Effort to Reinstate Bump Stock Ban After Supreme Court Ruling

Senate Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to pass a federal ban on bump stocks, following the Supreme Court's recent ruling that struck down a Trump-era ATF regulation banning the devices. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) co-sponsored the bill, arguing that bump stocks are designed for mass shootings and lack legitimate uses. However, Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and other GOP members objected, citing Second Amendment concerns and labeling the measure as overreaching. The Supreme Court decision emphasized that congressional action is needed to regulate bump stocks, as the ATF overstepped its authority. The contentious debate reflects ongoing divisions within the GOP over gun control, despite some prior support for modest restrictions following mass shootings.