Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released this statement on the defeat of the Thune Amendment, which would have allowed gun owners to carry their weapons into areas that had strict local laws against doing so:
“Lives have been saved with the defeat of this amendment. This measure, if it had passed, would have done more to threaten the safety of Americans than anything since the repeal of the assault weapons ban. It would have created havoc for law enforcement and endangered the safety of millions of Americans. We will remain vigilant to prevent any legislation like this from passing in the future.”
The amendment received 58 votes in favor to 39 against, with 60 required for passage. Interestingly, nearly 20 Democrats voted for it — including Majority Leader Harry Reid, who is coming up for re-election in 2010 in a heavily rural, pro-gun state. Schumer was the principal leader of the opposition against it.
Late Update: The roll call vote has been posted.
