Bob Casey on Gun Control Democratic Sr Senator (PA)

Ban weapons of war like AR-15 rifles

Gun Laws: Loosen or tighten gun regulation?
• Bob Casey (D): Tighten. Changed to a pro-regulation position after 2012 Sandy Hook massacre. Supports expanded background checks, temporarily keeping firearms from people who pose danger, and banning "weapons of war" like AR-15 rifles. Voted for the bipartisan gun safety bill.
• David McCormick (R): Mostly loosen. "I'm a proud gun owner who will fight for our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms."

Condemn political violence but condemn gun violence too

Dave McCORMICK: We need to have a real debate and fight and argument, conflict about the right direction of the country. But it need not be dehumanizing. It need not lead to violence. And, in fact, it can't. And so I hope we can see a dialing back of that rhetoric. And I certainly am going to try to do my part in being a strong voice for where I think the country should go, but also one that speaks out against violent rhetoric that contributes to the horror we saw yesterday.

Expanded background checks; ban on bump stocks

Lou Barletta (R): No, except for bump stocks.

Bob Casey (D): Yes. Position has shifted. Now supports expanded background checks, ban on bump stocks, & other restrictions.

Strong supporter of the second amendment

Opposes Increased Regulation on Firearm Ownership

Opposes restricting the Second Amendment.

Christian Coalition publishes a number of special voter educational materials including the Christian Coalition Voter Guides, which provide voters with critical information about where candidates stand on important faith and family issues. The Christian Coalition Voters Guide summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Further restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms"

Ban large-capacity ammunition.

Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

• to prohibit the transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, except for its lawful possession within the United States on or before the date of this Act`s enactment; and
• the importation or bringing into the United States of such a device (with some exceptions).
• Identification Markings: Requires a large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after this Act`s enactment to be identified by a serial number that clearly shows that the device was manufactured after enactment.
• Whoever knowingly violates this law shall be fined, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

Sponsored bill for background checks for private transfers.

H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act: This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. The prohibition does not apply to gifts between spouses in good faith.

Heritage Action opinion to vote NO (Feb. 26, 2019): This legislation would require universal background checks for all firearm sales (even private). Unfortunately, universal background checks would do little to prevent firearm violence and would instead make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase, own, carry, and use a firearm. Studies show that universal background checks are largely ineffective when it comes to preventing mass shootings. In 19 of the most recent high-profile cases, the shooters bought their firearms legally and passed all the required background checks.

White House Statement (Biden`s opinion to vote YES): Gun violence is a public health crisis. Every day, gun violence--community violence, domestic violence, suicides, and mass shootings--takes American lives and forever alters many more. Last year, we saw record levels of homicides in cities throughout our country. The Federal gun background check system is a proven tool to reduce gun violence and save lives. This system, called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, has kept millions of guns out of potentially dangerous hands. The Administration encourages closing existing loopholes in this system [such as private transfers in H.R. 8].

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 227-203-1 on 03/11/2021 (rollcall #75); introduced in Senate with 36 co-sponsors; no further Senate action during 2021.