Senate Background Check Bill Defeated; Will A Gun Control Bill Ever Pass?

Measures to expand gun control were defeated in the Senate on Wednesday in a move expected to push the bill out of consideration on the Senate floor. The measures, which were product of a bipartisan compromise, would have expanded background checks for gun buyers and banned assault weapons and high-capacity gun magazines. Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader, told the New York Times on Wednesday night that he would remove the bill rather than take out these key provisions or let it go to a filibuster next week.

The Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a likely filibuster, with 54 Senators voting for the provisions and 46 against them. The vote was the most significant attempt in 20 years to address gun violence and arose in the wake of the Newton, Connecticut shootings. 90 percent of the public supports greater background checks, while 47 percent supports the passage of new gun laws, broadly defined.

The New York Times reported that survivors of other mass shootings and their family members were present in the Senate when votes were cast. Lori Haas, whose daughter was shot at Virginia Tech, and Patricia Maisch, a survivor of the shooting in Arizona, reportedly shouted, "Shame on you" at those who voted against the provisions.

"Criminals do not submit to background checks now," said Senator Charles E. Grassley, an Iowa Republican who cast his vote against the provisions on Wednesday. "They will not submit to expanded background checks."

President Barack Obama, who had seized on the Newton shootings as an opportunity to pass legislation on background checks and the most high-capacity firearms, gave an angry post-vote press conference. "This is a pretty shameful day for Washington," he said. The president also accused the National Rifle Association, saying that instead of remaining behind the bipartisan compromise, the gun lobby "willfully lied about the bill".

"How can something have 90 percent support and still not happen?" asked Obama.

The National Rifle Association reportedly spent $500,000 on Wednesday on an advertising campaign criticizing the measures. The campaign included an ad using President Obama and New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg as foils. The NRA is the nation's largest gun lobby, with 4 million members. The NRA opposes the expanded background checks, saying they would lead to a national gun registry. The registry is illegal under federal law.

Lindsay Graham, Republican from South Carolina, said the legislation is in the "feel-good category" and won't prevent another Newtown.