This morning the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed to the firearms bill (S.649). It is expected that the Toomey-Manchin provision announced yesterday will replace the current language regarding background checks. Yet, as of this morning, not a single senator has been provided the legislative language of this provision. Because the background-check measure is the centerpiece of this legislation it is critical that we know what is in the bill before we vote on it. The American people expect more and deserve better.Sadly, just a few hours later, 16 Republican Senators caved to the Democrats and voted to end debate and bring to the floor a gun control bill that no one has had a chance to read. There will be Amendments offered, it will probably pass, and then we'll all be able to "find out what's in it."
Unfortunately, the effort to push through legislation that no one had read highlights one of the primary reasons we announced our intention to force a 60 vote threshold. We believe the abuse of the process is how the rights of Americans are systematically eroded and we will continue to do everything in our power to prevent it.
So much for "shall not be infringed."
Here are the GOP members who sided with their Dem opponents. It's basically a who's who of the RINO world.
Lindsey Graham (SC) (202) 224-5972
Lamar Alexander (TN) (202) 224-4944
Kelly Ayotte (NH) (202) 224-3324
Richard Burr (NC) (202) 224-3154
Saxby Chambliss (GA) (202) 224-3521
John McCain (AZ) (202) 224-2235
Tom Coburn (OK) (202) 224-5754
Susan Collins (ME) (202) 224-2523
Bob Corker (TN) (202) 224-3344
Jeff Flake (AZ) (202) 224-4521
John Hoeven (ND) (202) 224-2551
Johnny Isakson (GA) (202) 224-3643
Dean Heller (NV) (202) 224-6244
Mark Kirk (IL) (202) 224-2854
Pat Toomey (PA) (202) 224-4254
Roger Wicker (MS) (202) 224-6253
