Senate rejects firearms on more federal lands

WASHINGTON - The Senate has rejected an effort to expand the use of firearms on the heavily visited lands of the Army Corps of Engineers in a congressional victory for gun control supporters.

The vote for the proposal by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., was 56-43 for the legislation, but that fell short of the 60 votes needed.

The measure would have let people carry guns onto Corps property for any legal purpose. They currently can only be used there for activities like hunting or target shooting.

The agency oversees nearly 12 million acres containing dams, lakes and trails used for recreation by 370 million visitors annually.

The Oklahoma Republican said the right to bear arms should be the same on Corps property as it already is in national parks.

Opponents said the weapons could threaten critical facilities like dams and flood control projects.

The Senate killed an effort last month expanding background checks for more gun buyers.