Washington Governor. Jay Inslee was quick to react to this week's carnage at a Texas elementary school, sending a tweet listing the gun control measures the Democratic-controlled state has taken. He concluded with "Your turn Congress."
However, Congress is unlikely to pass gun control measures and they are becoming increasingly rare in many states. Aside from several Democratic-controlled states, the majority have taken no action on gun control in recent years or have moved aggressively to expand gun rights.
They are either politically controlled by Republicans who oppose gun restrictions, or they are politically divided, resulting in a deadlock.
"Here, I am in a situation where I can make something, I could introduce legislation, but to know that it almost certainly won't go anywhere is a feeling desperation," stated Greg Leding (a Democrat) in the GOP-controlled Arkansas Legislature. Red flag laws, which would allow authorities to take guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others, have been pushed back by Leding but failed to pass.
Despite rising mass shootings, states are divided over gun control
By RACHEL LACORTE and ANDREW DEMIILLO
2 hours ago
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks out about the Texas mass shooting during a press conference held in Sacramento, Calif. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Newsom was flanked by both the House and Senate lawmakers. He said that he is open to signing more restrictive gun laws passed by legislators. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks out about the Texas mass shooting during a press conference held in Sacramento, Calif. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Newsom was flanked by both the House and Senate lawmakers. He said that he is open to signing more restrictive gun laws passed by legislators. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
OLYMPIA (Wash.) -- Washington Governor. Jay Inslee was quick to react to this week's carnage at a Texas elementary school, sending a tweet listing the gun control measures the Democratic-controlled state has taken. He concluded with "Your turn Congress."
However, Congress is unlikely to pass gun control measures and they are becoming increasingly rare in many states. Aside from several Democratic-controlled states, the majority have taken no action on gun control in recent years or have moved aggressively to expand gun rights.
They are either politically controlled by Republicans who oppose gun restrictions, or they are politically divided, resulting in a deadlock.
"Here, I am in a situation where I can make something, I could introduce legislation, but to know that it almost certainly won't go anywhere is a feeling desperation," stated Greg Leding (a Democrat) in the GOP-controlled Arkansas Legislature. Red flag laws, which would allow authorities to take guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others, have been pushed back by Leding but failed to pass.
The massacre at Robb Elementary School, Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday left two teachers and 19 students dead. Democratic governors across the country pleaded passionately for gun restrictions to be passed by Congress and their respective legislatures. Republicans call for greater efforts to address mental illness and strengthen school protections, including the addition of security guards.
Texas Governor. Greg Abbott has spoken out repeatedly about mental health issues among youth and stated that tougher gun laws in New York and California were ineffective. Tennessee GOP Rep. JeremyFaison tweeted that Tennessee needs security officers in all schools, but he did not promise to introduce legislation next year. Faison stated: "Evil exists, and we must protect innocent people from it."
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has clashed repeatedly with the GOP-controlled Legislature about gun laws. He called for universal background checks and "red-flag" laws to be passed, but Republicans ignored his calls. The Democrat vetoed a Republican bill earlier this year that would have allowed concealed carry permit holders to keep firearms on school grounds or in private churches.
Evers tweeted, "We cannot accept gun violence just happens." "We can't accept that children might go to school but never return home. We can't accept that elected officials refuse to act."
A day after the Texas shooting, lawmakers Democrats requested that the Wisconsin gun safety legislation be re-examined. This apparently was unsuccessful. Devin LeMahieu, Republican Senate Majority Leader, and Robin Vos as Assembly Speaker did not respond to messages seeking their responses.
A Wednesday attempt by Democratic legislators to ban the sale, purchase, or ownership of semi-automatic firearms with high capacities failed in Pennsylvania. The House Republicans expressed their strong opposition to any gun restrictions. Over the past 20 years, Democratic governors have made repeated appeals to the GOP-majority Legislature to tighten gun control laws. This includes expanding background checks and limiting handgun purchases per month.
