Senate rejects firearms on more federal lands

Published May 08, 2013

Associated Press

The Senate has rejected an effort to expand the use of firearms on the heavily visited lands of the Army Corps of Engineers in a congressional victory for gun control supporters.

The vote for the proposal by Sen. Tom Coburn was 56-43 for the legislation, but that fell short of the 60 votes needed.

The measure would have let people carry guns onto Corps property for any legal purpose. They currently can only be used there for activities like hunting or target shooting.

The agency oversees nearly 12 million acres containing dams, lakes and trails used for recreation by 370 million visitors annually.

The Oklahoma Republican said the right to bear arms should be the same on Corps property as it already is in national parks. Opponents said the weapons could threaten critical facilities like dams and flood control projects.

The Senate killed an effort last month expanding background checks for more gun buyers.

View the original article here

Colorado Legislature OKs expansion of firearms checks

Published March 15, 2013

Associated Press

DENVER –  Colorado lawmakers have passed expanded background checks for private and online firearm purchases and sent the bill to the governor's desk for his expected approval.

The bill was passed Friday in the Democratic-controlled House by a 36-27 vote on Friday, with only one Democrat opposing.

The bill came in response to the mass shootings last year at a suburban Denver movie theater and Connecticut elementary school.

Democrats in the Senate approved the bill earlier.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper called for the checks al during this State of the State address in January. He's expected to sign the bill within two weeks.

Republicans say the background-check requirement can't be enforced without universal gun registration, which they oppose.

Democrats insist that growing online gun sales and sales outside stores and gun shows have created a big loophole in gun transfers without background checks.

View the original article here