Crapo Votes Against Moving Firearms Package Forward

Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate voted 68-31 to move a firearms package to the floor for debate.  Idaho Senator Mike Crapo joined several colleagues in voting against the legislation, finding that it further restricts the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Idahoans.

Last week, Crapo joined 13 other Republican Senators in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), stating that he would "oppose the motion to proceed to any legislation that will serve as a vehicle for any additional gun restrictions."  Crapo and other senators forced Leader Reid to file cloture in order to move the bill to the floor for debate.

"I adhere to my firm belief that the federal government cannot deny a law-abiding citizen his or her Second Amendment right," said Crapo.  "Current gun laws simply need to be enforced, rather than implementing a sweeping gun control package that will further hinder a citizen's ability to own and operate a firearm.  Additional gun control will not reduce violence and mass shootings in this country.  Safeguarding the public should begin with enforcing and perfecting current laws while improving our mental health standards and addressing our culture of violence. " 

The firearms package will be debated on the Senate floor for the remainder of the week and will continue into the following weeks.  It is expected that Senators will have the opportunity to debate and amend the bill before a vote on final passage.