Bernie Sanders on Second Amendment
Bernie Sanders's views on the Second Amendment and gun control have shown an evolution over his congressional career, particularly regarding federal mandates.
Historically, Sanders voted against the Brady Bill in 1993 and similar measures in the 1990s, stating that waiting periods for firearm purchases were better suited as a state, rather than a federal, matter for his constituents in Vermont.
However, Sanders has stated he has since changed his position and now supports several federal gun control measures, including closing the gun show loophole, passing universal federal background checks, and banning assault weapons.
Context
As the long-serving Senator from Vermont, Bernie Sanders's voting record and public statements on firearm regulation directly address the scope and interpretation of the Second Amendment.
His position is often framed within the context of his broader progressive politics, balancing the right to bear arms with public safety concerns like preventing gun violence. His progressive platform supports many other social policies, which sometimes puts him at odds with the interpretation of the Second Amendment favored by staunch gun rights advocates.
Timeline
- As a U.S. Representative, Bernie Sanders voted against the Brady Bill, which introduced federal background checks and a waiting period for gun purchases.
- Sanders supported the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act because it included an assault weapons ban and the Violence Against Women Act, despite other criticisms of the bill.
- He voted in favor of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which protected gun manufacturers from liability.
- Sanders announced he had changed his position regarding the PLCAA and would vote to repeal the law granting legal immunity to gun manufacturers.
- Sanders called for an increase in CDC funding to study gun violence.
Actions Taken
- Voting RecordVoted against the Brady Bill, which mandated federal background checks and a waiting period for firearm purchases.
- Voting RecordVoted for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, specifically because it included the Violence Against Women Act and a ban on certain assault weapons.
- Voting RecordVoted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which shielded gun manufacturers from negligence lawsuits.
- Official StatementStated that he has since changed his position on PLCAA and would vote for legislation to defeat that bill (repeal the immunity it granted).
- Policy AdvocacyCalled for an increase in CDC funding for the study of gun violence.