For gun bill, unusual partners
Democrats and the NRA negotiate legislation to close loopholes exposed by the Virginia Tech tragedy.
from the June 13, 2007 edition
Page 3 of 3
The Violence Policy Center, a gun-control think tank in Washington, has come out against the compromise because it is concerned the appeals process will make it easier for dangerous individuals to get access to guns.
Gun Owners of America (GOA), the NRA's smaller rival, is also opposed to the compromise, saying that the appeals process is too cumbersome.
"We are opposed to requiring honest people to prove their innocence," says Erich Pratt, communications director of the GOA. "Even with the compromise … these people are still presumed guilty, and they're going to have to spend time and money to prove their innocence [before buying a gun]."
The NRA, which negotiated provisions that make it easier to appeal to have one's name removed from the NICS database, says it will support the bill as long as it is passed as negotiated.
"But if there are any gun-control amendments added, we will unequivocally oppose it," says Andrew Arulanandam, the NRA's director of public affairs.
Dingell says he hopes to use procedural maneuvers to ensure the bill cannot be amended. He's determined that it passes as is.
"We'll pull the house down if it goes bad," he says.
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