Posted on 01/26/2013 4:16:02 PM PST by Red Steel
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said Thursday that he was working on a bill with Senate colleagues and the National Rifle Association (NRA) that would implement universal background checks, a major component of President Obama's proposed gun-control reforms.
Manchin, a member of the NRA, had not previously endorsed any specific measures to address gun violence.
"I’m working on a bill right now with other senators — Democrats and Republicans — we’re trying to get it, and looking at a background check that basically says that if you’re going to be a gun owner, you should be able to pass a background check, to be able to get [universal background checks]," Manchin told Metro News radio's "Talkline," in an interview reported by The Washington Post.
The West Virginia lawmaker went on to say his bill would carve out exceptions for certain transactions.
"With exceptions. The exceptions are: Families, immediate family members, some sporting events that you’re going to — that if you’re just going to be using them at the sporting events. So we’re looking and talking to people with expertise. I’m working with the NRA, to be honest with you, and talking to them," he said.
The NRA has been vocal in opposing the president's call for new gun controls, arguing that Obama has attempted to exploit the mass shooting at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school to limit Second Amendment rights. In remarks earlier this week, NRA Executive Director Wayne LaPierre accused the president of wanting to put "every private personal firearms transaction right under the thumb of the federal government."
Later Thursday, a spokesman for the NRA said that while the group was working with members of Congress to "address the problems with the background check system," the group would not support expanding background checks to include private transfers.
"If Sen. Manchin supports putting private transfers between law-abiding citizens under the thumb of the Obama-Holder justice department, we will vigorously oppose those efforts," said NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam.
Arulanandam said the gun rights group believed "what Congress needs to do is improve and not expand the system" to better prevent those suffering from mental illness from obtaining weapons.
In the radio interview, Manchin called background checks for private dealers — who are exempted by the so-called gun-show loophole — "common sense."
"Why would a legitimate gun retail shop have to go through that, but then the unfair advantage for someone at a gun show doesn’t?" Manchin asked.
Earlier Thursday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced an updated assault-weapons ban in the Senate that would ban the sale and manufacture of more than 150 types of semi-automatic weapons with military-style features. The bill would also ban magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Manchin has previously said that he does not think hunters need assault rifles, but has not explicitly said whether he would support Feinstein's bill.
--This report was updated at 1:55 p.m.
If universal background checks were required for opening bank accounts, getting credit cards, or registering people to vote...I suspect more of us would support the idea. But no one is going to add to the list of things requiring a universal background check.
Looks like the media onslaught got to you.
What if the wacky militias just launched now?
Would this go for police and government officials?
(I’m working on a bill right now with other senators — Democrats and Republicans — we’re trying to get it, and looking at a background check that basically says that if you’re going to be a gun owner, you should be able to pass a background check,)
Okay Senator. The GOVERNMENT checks the background on Joe B Schmo. He passes. Gets a gun and kills 4 neighbors. Can they sue you because you allowed him to purchase a gun because he passed your background check?
PRIMARY him.
The West Virginia electorate knew what a piece of crap Manchin is but hey he is their piece of crap.
They knew he would side with obammy on coal, guns, and everything else the magic negro wants.
Guess ole joe is an obammy butt boy.
Not it should not. CONVICTION of FELONY spousal abuse should qualify, but not "reported".
The son of a friend of my wife was just recently thrown in jail because his wife called up and "reported" him as having abused her. Knowing the situation, it is far more likely that she abused HIM.
His family was scurrying around to raise lawyer fees and bail when she calls his father as told him that she lied, and how could she "fix it". Unfortunately, when she found out that SHE might be liable for having lied, she did not "do the right thing" and withdraw her complaint.
The first thing that pretty much ANY woman who wants a divorce does is claim "he abused me", usually on the advice of her divorce lawyer.
So no, I can't go along with "reported".
Statement from Chris W. Cox Regarding “Universal” Background Checks
Posted on January 25, 2013
An article appearing on TheHill.com yesterday asserted that Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) is working on a bill with the NRA that would implement universal background checks.
NRA does NOT support universal background checks and is not working with Manchin to implement this type of legislation. NRA opposes, and will continue to oppose, universal background checks and registration schemes.
We do believe that records of those who are prohibited by law from purchasing firearms (including those whose mental health history puts them in this category) ought to be included in the federal instant check system.
A friend of mine was telling me that he thought the reason they want registration is so they can put a heavy tax on firearms, I’m thinking confiscation he’s thinking tax.
I think I can go along with substituting “reported” to “convicted in court”. Point well taken.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.