Senate Rejects 4 Gun Control Amendments

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Senators rejected four amendments related to gun control and terrorism one week after the deadliest mass shooting in our country's history.

The competing Republican and Democratic proposals were largely divided along party lines.

None of them were expected to pass, even though the vast majority of the public supports them.

Senators made passionate pleas for gun control, only to come up short -- again.

Republicans blocked Democrats from banning gun sales to anyone on the "no fly" or terrorist watch list, and from closing the so-called "gun show loophole" by expanding background checks to sales at gun shows and online.

"The other side says they support Second Amendment rights. We have every reason not to believe them," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

Democrats stopped Republican proposals that would have required law enforcement to be notified if anyone on the terror watch list tries to buy a gun and given the U.S. attorney general three days to block it.

"What am I going to tell the community of Orlando that is trying to come together in the healing?" said Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson of Florida.

Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken expressed disappointment.

"Today's inaction is a deep disservice to thousands of families across the country who have had a loved one killed or injured as a result of gun violence," Franken said in a statement.

A political analyst says he doesn't see change on the horizon.

"So long as the political alignment remains the way it is, I really don't see any chance that we are going to pass any meaningful gun legislation. In fact, I don't see we're going to pass any gun legislation in the next few years," said David Schultz of Hamline University.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine wants to ban people on the no fly list, but not the terrorist watch list, from buying guns.

A vote hasn't been set for that compromise proposal.