Portrait of Bernie Sanders
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Bernie Sanders on Gun Control

Advocate for stricter gun laws (strong) Position evolved

Bernie Sanders holds a firm progressive stance on gun control, advocating for several key national reforms.

His current platform explicitly calls for closing the 'gun show loophole', enacting universal federal background checks for all gun purchases, and passing and enforcing a ban on assault weapons.

Sanders's historical record shows nuance; he voted against the Brady Bill in 1993, arguing such mandates were better left to states, and supported a measure granting gun manufacturers legal immunity in 2005. However, he has since stated he would support repealing that immunity law and now supports the federal background checks and assault weapons ban.

He also supports increasing CDC funding for the study of gun violence, a position he reversed after previously voting against such funding in 1996. This evolution reflects a shift toward stronger national intervention on firearm regulation.

Context

As the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history who caucuses with Democrats, Bernie Sanders has the platform to advocate for progressive legislation, including stricter gun control.

His votes in the House of Representatives, particularly on the Brady Bill, differed from his current alignment, which aligns closely with the mainstream of the modern Democratic Party platform on this issue.

Timeline

  1. His bid for the U.S. House benefited from the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) opposing his opponent, Peter Smith, who had reversed his stance on firearm restrictions.
  2. Voted against the Brady Bill, citing his belief that waiting periods were more appropriate as a state-level matter for his Vermont constituents.
  3. Supported the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act due to its inclusion of an assault weapons ban, despite other reservations about the bill.
  4. Voted in favor of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), shielding gun manufacturers from negligence lawsuits.
  5. Expressed regret over his past votes, stating he would now support repealing the PLCAA and advocating for increased CDC funding to study gun violence.

Actions Taken

  1. Voting Record
    Voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which established background checks and waiting periods, explaining his Vermont constituents felt waiting periods were a state, not federal, matter.
  2. Voting Record
    Voted for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act because it contained the Violence Against Women Act and a ban on certain assault weapons, despite criticizing other aspects of the bill.
  3. Voting Record
    Voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which shielded manufacturers from negligence lawsuits when their products were used in crimes.
  4. Stated Position Change
    Stated he has since changed his position on the 2005 act and would vote to repeal legislation granting legal immunity to gun manufacturers and dealers.
  5. Voting Record
    Voted against additional funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to research firearms issues.
  6. Policy Stance
    Called for an increase in CDC funding for the study of gun violence.

Key Quotes

Sanders supports closing the 'gun show loophole', banning assault weapons, and passing and enforcing universal federal background checks for gun purchases.

U.S. Senate (2007–present) section of provided text January 1, 2016 — This summarises his current stated policy goals on gun control.

He voted for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act 'because it included the Violence Against Women Act and the ban on certain assault weapons.'

U.S. House of Representatives (1991–2007) section of provided text January 1, 1994 — Explaining his vote for a major crime bill including a gun measure.

Related Positions

  • Universal Background Checks This is a core component of Sanders's current, strong advocacy for federal gun control legislation.
  • Assault Weapons Ban Sanders supported an assault weapons ban as part of a 1994 crime bill and advocates for it currently.
  • Gun Violence Research Funding His current support for increased CDC funding for gun violence studies shows a change from his prior opposition to similar measures.
Sources2

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.