Schumer 'Launching Fight' To Block Loosening Restrictions For Concealed Carry
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The U.S. Senate will take up debate on the compromise gun control measure on Tuesday.
The bill, which was hammered out last week, would require background checks for most gun purchases. A limit on gun clips and a reinstatement of the federal assault weapons ban are not part of the measure because they do not have enough support to block a possible Republican filibuster.
Sen. Charles Schumer speaking on Sunday noted that there is still time for amendments to be introduced.
But he issued a warning to his senate colleagues that he will not stand for any proposals that would force New York to honor out-of-state concealed carry gun permits.
"Any person who has a permit, a concealed carry permit, in Wyoming could come to New York and carry it concealed even though it would be against our laws," told reporters including WCBS 880's Jim Smith. "In New York, there are great limits on when you can carry and where you can carry and how you can carry and all those would be undone."
Schumer 'Launching Fight' To Block Loosening Restrictions For Concealed Carry
He said he is concerned that some lawmakers will push for a National Reciprocal Agreement on concealed permits.
"Any New York criminal could go down to Florida, buy guns and then carry them here in New York," Schumer said. "This legislation could change Times Square into the O.K. Corral."
The senator said a National Reciprocal Agreement would endanger residents and police officers alike by undercutting New York's tough gun laws.
"I am launching a fight to defeat concealed carry at all costs," Schumer said.
As CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported, gun buyback events are being held across Bergen County again Sunday.
Ahead of Senate debate on the measure gun control advocates and opponents have been making their voices heard in Washington.
"Listen. Listen to the 90 percent of people who want common gun sense," said Linda Brundage of the Mid-Michigan Lansing Chapter of Moms Demand Action.
Opponents of the bill up for debate said it does not get to the heart of the problem.
"The irony is that these mass killings are the very kind of crimes that are least preventable by the kind of gun legislation we're seeing today," criminologist James Fox said.
This weekend, the NRA sponsored a major NASCAR race with the organization's logo prominently showcased.
"Demographically, it's a great fit," said Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage.
Gossage added that the sponsorship deal for the NRA 500 was made before the Newtown shootings, but some lawmakers said the pairing sends the wrong message.
"When NASCAR fans turn on the TV this weekend its going to seem to them like NASCAR and the NRA are in bed not just on this race but on the NRA's agenda as well," Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said.
What would you like to see in a federal gun control measure? Please offer your comments below...
