Senators negotiating a bill mandating background checks for all gun buyers are privately expecting the National Rifle Association not to fight the measure -- provided the legislation does not require private gun sellers to maintain records of the checks, NBC News has learned.
If that requirement is met and key Republican negotiator Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma signs on, the powerful gun lobby has signaled to lawmakers that they would not actively oppose the bill -- and not count votes in favor of it as part of its highly influential NRA lawmaker ratings -- according to Senate aides familiar with the stalled negotiations.
Such a deal could clear the way for a universal background check bill, a central tenet of President Barack Obama's gun control initiative, to pass the Senate with significant Republican support. Odds of passage in the House would brighten significantly as a result.
The NRA denies being part of any agreement. "We do not take positions on hypotheticals. We will make our position known if and when legislation is introduced," said Chris Cox, the group's top lobbyist.
The NRA is still adamantly opposed to expanding background checks to private sales. "To be clear, the National Rifle Association does not support legislation that would criminalize otherwise lawful transfers of firearms between law abiding Americans," Cox said.
More @ First Read
If true.... The NRA should lose a few million members, who should maybe then consider the GOA for membership. (if membership is desired in any outfit fighting the 2A fight)
ReplyDeleteYes and they get nothing by doing this. It makes no sense.
DeleteThe NRA has a very bad habit of trading away something for nothing more than hot air!
ReplyDeleteCrazy.
DeleteWell they'll lose this one. I first joined in 1962, fifty-one years ago. They dare not agree to this or anything else the Democrats push.
DeleteYou're a good man, Charlie Brown.:)
DeleteThe NRA is very clear on their website that this entire issue is bogus. I believe it was CBS who first reported this lie. Why would you trust this report at face value when you know the mainstream media lies to you the rest of the time? Please visit the NRA-ILA website and get the facts.
DeleteThe proof is in the pudding or we shall see.
DeleteI actually got a letter from the NRA about this, it's completely false. The NRA isn't backing down one bit.
ReplyDeleteThe NRA denies being part of any agreement. "We do not take positions on hypotheticals. We will make our position known if and when legislation is introduced," said Chris Cox, the group's top lobbyist.
DeleteIt states so in the piece I posted, but as I said, the proof is in the pudding. They have stood up well so far on this latest fiasco, but have sold out before, so let's hope they have learned their lesson.