Over the last two decades (roughly 2005-2025), Democrats have consistently pushed for stricter gun control measures at the federal level, though with limited success due to strong opposition, particularly from Second Amendment advocates and the gun lobby.
Here's a summary of their key efforts and proposals:
Key Legislative Priorities & Attempts:
* Universal Background Checks: A cornerstone of Democratic gun control efforts, they have repeatedly sought to expand background checks to all gun sales, including those between private citizens and at gun shows, closing what is often referred to as the "gun show loophole." Bills like the Manchin-Toomey proposal (2013) aimed to achieve this but failed to pass.
* Assault Weapons Ban: Democrats have consistently advocated for reinstating and strengthening the federal assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004. This would prohibit the sale of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines (typically those holding more than 10 rounds). Attempts to pass such bans after major mass shootings (e.g., Sandy Hook in 2012) have been unsuccessful at the federal level.
* Red Flag Laws (Extreme Risk Protection Orders): Democrats have supported and sought to incentivize states to enact "red flag" laws, which allow temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others by a court order.
* Closing the "Boyfriend Loophole": This aims to prevent individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors against dating partners (who are not spouses) from purchasing firearms. This provision was partially addressed in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
* Prohibiting Gun Sales to Individuals on Terror Watch Lists ("No Fly, No Buy"): Democrats have proposed legislation to prevent individuals on federal terrorism watch lists from buying firearms, though these efforts have faced opposition due to concerns about due process and errors on the watch lists.
* Making Gun Trafficking a Federal Crime: Proposals have been made to increase penalties for gun trafficking and for individuals who buy guns for prohibited persons ("straw buyers").
* Safe Storage and Child Access Prevention: Democrats have supported measures to promote safe gun storage and prevent accidental shootings or suicides involving children.
Key Legislation (Limited Success):
* Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (2022): While not as extensive as many Democrats desired, this was the most significant federal gun safety legislation passed in decades. It was a bipartisan effort and included:
* Enhanced background checks for purchasers under 21, including their juvenile records.
* Increased funding for state crisis intervention programs (which can include red flag laws).
* Further criminalization of arms trafficking and straw purchases.
* Partial closure of the "boyfriend loophole."
Obstacles Faced:
* Political Gridlock: Gun control remains a highly divisive issue, leading to legislative stalemates.
* Strong Opposition from Gun Rights Advocates: Groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) heavily lobby against stricter gun laws and have significant influence.
* Second Amendment Interpretations: Differing interpretations of the Second Amendment often form the basis of opposition to gun control measures.
* Filibuster in the Senate: Many gun control bills have failed in the Senate due to the filibuster, requiring 60 votes to pass.
In summary, Democrats have consistently introduced and advocated for various gun control measures over the last 20 years, focusing on background checks, assault weapon bans, and other safety provisions. While they have faced significant hurdles, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 marked a rare instance of federal gun safety legislation passing,
albeit a compromise.
