In the aftermath of two tragic mass shootings within a week—one at Asian spas in Atlanta, resulting in eight fatalities, and the other at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, where ten lives were lost—the debate on gun control has resurfaced. Despite the lack of new legislation being proposed, Senate Republicans are already reinforcing their stance against stricter gun laws, now framing it as a matter of racial justice.
During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee meeting focused on gun violence, GOP members asserted that gun control is embedded in the United States’ historical pattern of infringing upon the rights of minorities. This comes from a party that has previously denied the existence of systemic racism and opposed educational initiatives on topics like slavery. Republican Senator Mike Lee from Utah stated, “It’s rarely the empowered or wealthy who face interference in their rights.”
One of the most striking moments of the hearing came from Chris Cheng, a competitive shooter and the winner of a popular marksmanship competition show. Cheng passionately connected gun control measures to the historical oppression of minority groups, citing the unjust internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. “We need to defend ourselves,” he declared.
Senator Ted Cruz also weighed in, echoing phrases often used by Democrats advocating for stricter gun laws. He dismissed proposals for an assault weapons ban and universal background checks, labeling them as “ridiculous theatre” that wouldn’t effectively reduce violence. Currently, the Senate has no gun control bills under consideration, despite the House passing two related measures that remain unaddressed. President Joe Biden has urged Congress to act on closing background check loopholes and regulating the sale of assault-style firearms, saying, “I don’t need to wait another minute to take common-sense steps that will save lives.”
The proposed House bills aim to expand universal background checks, a measure that enjoys broad support across party lines. Historically, congressional Republicans have staunchly opposed any gun control initiatives, including those pertaining to background checks.
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Summary
Senate Republicans are framing their opposition to gun control as a defense of minority rights, citing America’s history of racial injustice. This argument comes in the wake of mass shootings and amid calls for more stringent gun laws, which the GOP has historically resisted.