Enough already with the guns. This seems to be the year when the National Rifle Association is out to prove that it controls all 50 states, using its legislative clout in Washington to make gains that may never be rolled back. Lawmakers seem so afraid to cross fanatical gun owners that they just won't stand up and be counted.
The new test of Congress's backbone will come Wednesday, when the Senate votes on an amendment by John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, that will effectively prevent states from enforcing their own gun laws. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid gave a green light to the vote because he's afraid to antagonize the NRA ahead of the 2010 elections.
Thune's plan is to let any gun owner cross state lines with a gun and be bound by the lenient laws in his home state, rather than follow the statutes in the state he is visiting. This effectively creates a lowest common denominator, allowing a state such as Alaska, which allows repeat violent offenders to carry concealed weapons, to prevent the 35 states that prohibit concealed weapons to enforce their own laws.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
More than 400 city mayors and most big-city police forces have come out against the law. Democrats are scrambling to try to defeat it, but key legislators seem reluctant to stand up and oppose it.
The irony is that the staunchest supporters are the same lawmakers who profess to believe in state's rights. In fact, they only believe in states' rights when they happen to agree with what the state is planning to do. They're quite happy to impose their own views on others whenever it suits them. Thune's defense is that carrying a concealed weapon is a fundamental right that doesn't disappear when you cross a state border, an argument that the Supreme Court explicitly chose not to endorse as recently as last year.
As the New York Times points out in an editorial today, this is a radical proposal, one that will nullify dozens of state laws, put police officers at risk, and increase gun violence.
And before the gun advocates let loose with their usual complaints that criminals will get guns no matter what, consider this: In the last two years, people with permits to carry concealed weapons ended up killing seven police officers and 44 civilians, sometimes in cases of mistaken identity. The simple fact is that it's not just criminals who are a danger when it comes to concealed weapons.
Thune wants to attach his amendment to the unrelated Pentagon authorization bill. He'll need 60 votes to succeed. If he does prevail, let's hope it gets dropped in conference with the House. If not, it's grounds enough for Obama to veto the bill.
Update: On Wednesday, supporters of the Thune amendment fell two votes short of the 60 needed for adoption. Thune vowed to try again later this year.
-
Why Prepaying Your Retirement Dreams Might Be a Financial Game ChangerHe bought his retirement home more than a decade before he plans to retire. Was it the right move?
-
My $1.2 million vacation home has a $360K mortgage. I don't need my upcoming $45K RMD. Should I use it to pay down the mortgage?We asked wealth planners for advice.
-
Kiplinger's 2020 Election ForecastPolitics For nearly a century, The Kiplinger Letter has forecasted the outcome of presidential elections to keep readers informed of what's coming and what it means for them. Here's our call for 2020.
-
How the GOP Tax Bill May Affect BusinessesBusiness Costs & Regulation Corporations would enjoy a lower flat tax rate while individual owners of pass-throughs would also see a lower rate, but with more complex terms.
-
The Long Slog in Congress After Comey
Politics Trump's firing of the FBI director ruffled congressional feathers, but not enough to spur an independent investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
-
Trump’s Tax Reform Plan Faces Tough ChallengesPolitics A one-page outline isn't enough to satisfy a Congress interested in the details — and protecting constituents.
-
Trump's Agenda and ChallengesPolitics What lies ahead for the President-Elect.
-
Clinton on Track to Win 2016 Presidential Election
Politics Trump can win the White House, but faces an uphill climb.
-
New Overtime Rules Will Hit Businesses This YearBusiness Costs & Regulation A change in salary threshold will make more workers eligible for extra pay.
-
Bumpy Road Ahead in 2016 Presidential Race
Politics Trump will get a bounce after the Republican convention, but Clinton is poised to regain ground.
