A GOP-controlled Congress and a friendly White House that ups the likelihood of pro-gun legislation successfully becoming law, potentially including some of the bills that have laid stagnant for years. The Trace, in an emailed newsletter, cites Republican bills already on the table. Texas Sen. John Cornyn, joined by 44 co-sponsors, has introduced a concealed carry “reciprocity” bill. That type of legislation, which has been introduced and scuttled for years, requires states to recognize one another’s gun permits. Doing so would dramatically expand where gun owners can bring their weapons. Rep. Eric Burlison of Missouri was joined by 19 co-sponsors in an “Abolish the ATF” bill to eliminate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Burlison also has a bill to repeal the 1968 National Firearms Act.
Michigan Rep. Jack Bergman, with 76 co-sponsors, has proposed legislation to “prohibit the Federal Government from entering into contracts with an entity that discriminates against the firearm and ammunition industry....” Idaho Sen. James Risch has a bill to prevent the government from making a gun registry and requiring ATF to “delete all existing firearm transaction records.” He also introduced a bill to strip the ATF of some of its authority over firearm imports. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia has proposed barring Medicaid funds from being used for firearm safety counseling. That would reverse a public health effort the White House announced in September to allow reimbursement for gun injury risk screening, safe storage counseling, and sharing violence prevention resources. Some of these bills are largely symbolic — abolishing ATF would be complex — but, with the new makeup of the federal government, they have a greater chance of passing than ever. Funding for gun violence research also could hang in the balance. Still most people of voting age favor stricter gun laws and. Trump himself has a mixed record on gun issues.