Michigan Dems thwarted by attendance in efforts to pass gun law bills during lame duck session

Democrats took control of Michigan’s state Senate, state House of Representatives, and governor’s office two years ago. It made it possible for Democrats to pass legislation without the Republican Party’s obstruction. All of that will alter in the upcoming year.

• • 
    Michigan Democrats will retain control of the House through the end of 2024.
    
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    Gun safety bills that lobbyists want to push through may not get passed in the lame duck session because of one Democrat representative sitting out.
    
  • 
    The House needs 56 votes to pass the bills but, without Karen Whitsett, the bills will not be passed.
    

• 
  Michigan Democrats will retain control of the House through the end of 2024.
  
• 
  Gun safety bills that lobbyists want to push through may not get passed in the lame duck session because of one Democrat representative sitting out.
  
• 
  The House needs 56 votes to pass the bills but, without Karen Whitsett, the bills will not be passed.
  

FOX 2, Lansing, Mich.Following yet another school tragedy in America, Lansing Democrats are under pressure to pass legislation during the lame duck session. A set of bills aimed at reducing gun violence is currently pending their votes. However, one legislator is not showing up, which puts that possible legislation at risk.

Democrats took control of Michigan’s state Senate, state House of Representatives, and governor’s office two years ago. It made it possible for Democrats to pass legislation without the Republican Party’s obstruction. All of that will alter in the upcoming year.

Democrats continue to hold the Senate majority in November. However, that means bipartisan support will be required for all bills that pass starting in January. Democrats have already fought to pass a law protecting reproductive health care, among other bills.

What bills do Lansing Democrats want to pass?

A number of gun safety bills are being proposed by lawmakers.

Ghost guns and bump stocks are prohibited as part of the package.

Weapons without serial numbers that cannot be tracked down are known as “ghost guns.” They are assembled using several components that can be purchased independently or as part of a kit.

A rifle’s normal stock is swapped out for a bump stock, which allows the weapon to slide quickly back and forth.

What’s holding up bills in Lansing?

However, the shift to gun control legislation appears to be problematic. House Speaker Joe Tate needs 56 votes to pass gun safety measures in the House, but Detroit Democrat Rep. Karen Whitsett says she’s staying home until the speaker agrees to pour more state dollars into lawmakers’ hometowns.

The speaker only has 55 votes if she doesn’t show up or doesn’t vote.

Ryan Bates, an activist, stated, “It’s disappointing that drama in Lansing may derail really important legislation.” “It’s disappointing that we’re seeing politicians play politics with people’s lives.”

Could a Republican vote in favor of the bills?

Republicans are involved in the drama as well, although normally the gun safety group might be able to secure a few GOP votes on their proposals. They’re likely to stay out of their seats again on Wednesday.

“We’re not going to sit back and see how this thing plays out. we’re urging our supporters to contact every legislator to encourage them to work together,” Bates said.

With Republicans running the house, Bates knows that it’s going to be tougher to pass gun safety measures.

“We know it will be a more challenging environment for our issue,” Bates stated. “It is always the right time to save lives from gun violence. Now is better than tomorrow.”

The Source:FOX 2 researched ghost guns and bump stocks from the ATF and spoke with activist Ryan Bates for details on this story.

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