US NATIONAL NEWS

House Passes Bill Banning Certain Semi-Automatic Guns

Published

3 years ago

August 2, 2022

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks during a news conference Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Capitol in Washington. The House has passed legislation to revive a ban on semi-automatic guns. It's a response to the crush of mass shootings ripping through communities nationwide. Pelosi pushed the bill forward, but the legislation is likely to go nowhere in the Senate. Republicans dismiss the measure as an election-year strategy by Democrats.(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed legislation Friday to revive a ban on certain semi-automatic guns, the first vote of its kind in years and a direct response to the firearms often used in the crush of mass shootings ripping through communities nationwide.

Once banned in the U.S., the high-powered firearms are now widely blamed as the weapon of choice among young men responsible for many of the most devastating mass shootings. But Congress allowed the restrictions first put in place in 1994 on the manufacture and sales of the weapons to expire a decade later, unable to muster the political support to counter the powerful gun lobby and reinstate the weapons ban.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed the vote toward passage in the Democratic-run House, saying the earlier ban “saved lives.”

President Joe Biden hailed the House vote, saying, “The majority of the American people agree with this common sense action.” He urged the Senate to “move quickly to get this bill to my desk.”

However, it is likely to stall in the 50-50 Senate. The House legislation is shunned by Republicans, who dismissed it as an election-year strategy by Democrats. Almost all Republicans voted against the House bill, which passed 217-213.

The bill comes at a time of intensifying concerns about gun violence and shootings — the supermarket shooting in Buffalo, N.Y.; massacre of school children in Uvalde, Texas; and the July Fourth shootings of revelers in Highland Park, Ill.

Voters seem to be taking such election-year votes seriously as Congress splits along party lines and lawmakers are forced to go on the record with their views. A recent vote to protect same-sex marriages from potential Supreme Court legal challenges won a surprising amount of bipartisan support.

Biden was instrumental in helping secure the first semi-automatic weapons ban as a senator in 1994. The Biden administration said that for 10 years, while the ban was in place, mass shootings declined. “When the ban expired in 2004, mass shootings tripled,” the statement said.

Republicans stood firmly against limits on ownership of the high-powered firearms during an at times emotional debate ahead of voting.

“It’s a gun grab, pure and simple,” said Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa.

Said Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., “An armed America is a safe and free America.”

Democrats argued that the ban on the weapons makes sense, portraying Republicans as extreme and out of step with Americans.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said the weapons ban is not about taking away Americans’ Second Amendment rights but ensuring that children also have the right “to not get shot in school.”

Pelosi displayed a poster of a gun company’s advertisement for children’s weapons, smaller versions that resemble the popular AR-15 rifles and are marketed with cartoon-like characters. “Disgusting,” she said.

In one exchange, two Ohio lawmakers squared off. “Your freedom stops where mine begins, and that of my constituents begins,” Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur told Republican Rep. Jim Jordan. “Schools, shopping malls, grocery stores, Independence Day parades shouldn’t be scenes of mass carnage and bloodshed.”

Jordan replied by inviting her to his congressional district to debate him on the Second Amendment, saying he believed most of his constituents “probably agree with me and agree with the United States Constitution.”

The bill would make it unlawful to import, sell or manufacture a long list of semi-automatic weapons. Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said it includes an exemption that allows for the possession of existing semi-automatic guns.

Reps. Chris Jacobs of New York and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania were the only Republicans to vote for the measure. The Democratic lawmakers voting no were Reps. Kurt Schrader of Oregon, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Jared Golden of Maine, Ron Kind of Wisconsin and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas.

For nearly two decades, since the previous ban expired Democrats had been reluctant to revisit the issue and confront the gun lobby. But voter opinions appear to be shifting and Democrats dared to act before the fall election. The outcome will provide information for voters of where the candidates stand on the issue.

Jason Ouimet, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement following the vote that “barely a month after” the Supreme Court expanded gun rights “gun control advocates in Congress are spearheading an assault upon the freedoms and civil liberties of law-abiding Americans.”

He said the bill potentially bans millions of firearms “in blatant opposition to the Supreme Court’s rulings” that have established gun ownership as an individual right and expanded on it.

Among the semi-automatic weapons banned would be some 200-plus types of semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15s, and pistols. The restrictions would not apply to many other models.

Democrats had tried to link the weapons ban to a broader package of public safety measures that would have increased federal funding for law enforcement. It’s something centrist Democrats in tough re-election campaigns wanted to shield them from political attacks by their Republican opponents they are soft on crime.

Pelosi said the House will revisit the public safety bills in August when lawmakers are expected to return briefly to Washington to handle other remaining legislation, including Biden’s priority inflation-fighting package of health care and climate change strategies making its way in the Senate.

Congress passed a modest gun violence prevention package just last month in the aftermath of the tragic shooting of 19 school children and two teachers in Uvalde. That bipartisan bill was the first of its kind after years of failed efforts to confront the gun lobby, including after a similar 2012 mass tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

That law provides for expanded background checks on young adults buying firearms, allowing authorities to access certain juvenile records. It also closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole” by denying gun purchases for those convicted of domestic abuse outside of marriages.

The new law also frees up federal funding to the states, including for “red flag” laws that enable authorities to remove guns from those who would harm themselves or others.

But even that modest effort at halting gun violence came at time of grave uncertainty in the U.S. over restrictions on firearms as the more conservative Supreme Court is tackling gun rights and other issues.

Biden signed the measure two days after the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down a New York law that restricted people’s ability to carry concealed weapons.

This story was first published on July 29, 2022. It was updated on August 1, 2022 to correct the name of the executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action to Jason Ouimet, not Jason Quimet.

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump Hints at Possible Third Term, Suggests “Methods” to Stay in Office

Published

4 weeks ago

March 30, 2025

Willie David

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – President Donald Trump refused to rule out the idea of a third term, despite the constitutional limits set by the 22nd Amendment, stating there are “methods” that could allow him to return to the Oval Office.

In a Sunday morning phone interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, Trump touted his high approval ratings, claiming, “You have to start by saying, I have the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years. We’re in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. We’re very popular.”

When asked directly whether he would seek another term in 2028, Trump did not deny the possibility, saying:

“Well, there are plans. There are—not plans. There are, there are methods which you could do it, as you know.”

22nd Amendment & Legal Hurdles

Trump’s comments come in direct conflict with the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states:

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

This amendment, ratified in 1951, was introduced largely due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency. It makes no exception for presidents who serve non-consecutive terms, which means Trump would legally be barred from running again in 2028 after a second presidency.

Trump’s Strategy: JD Vance as a Placeholder?

During the NBC News interview, Trump hinted at potential workarounds to bypass the 22nd Amendment, including having Vice President JD Vance run in 2028 and later stepping aside to allow Trump to return to office.

“Well, that’s one,” Trump said. “But there are others too. There are others.”

This raises legal and ethical concerns, as it would be seen as a direct attempt to circumvent the Constitutional limit on presidential terms.

Steve Bannon & MAGA Allies Push for 2028

Trump’s close ally Steve Bannon, host of the War Room podcast, has been a vocal proponent of the idea, stating in December that Trump could “credibly seek another term” in 2028. The idea has gained traction among MAGA hardliners, with some advocating for legislative changes or legal loopholes that could allow Trump to reclaim the presidency.

White House Response: “Too Early” to Decide

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung downplayed the speculation, stating:

“Americans overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump and his America First policies. As the President said, it’s far too early to think about it, and he is focused on undoing all the hurt Biden has caused and Making America Great Again.”

What’s Next?

While Trump’s comments have sparked debate over the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, legal scholars and political analysts emphasize that any attempt to bypass the presidential term limit would likely face significant legal challenges and Congressional pushback.

As Trump continues to tease 2028, Democrats and legal experts are expected to push back against any potential constitutional maneuvering.

___________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

US NATIONAL NEWS

Global Tesla Takedown Protests Target Elon Musk and DOGE

Published

4 weeks ago

March 30, 2025

FNN NEWS

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – The global anti-Tesla protest movement intensified on March 29, as demonstrators targeted hundreds of Tesla dealerships and showrooms worldwide. Protesters voiced outrage over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. government policies, layoffs in federal agencies, and budget cuts affecting critical programs.

Protesters Condemn Musk’s Influence in Government

The demonstrations, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown”, were fueled by frustration over what activists call Musk’s unchecked power over federal decision-making. Protesters argue that Musk, the world’s richest man, has used his political and financial leverage to lay off thousands of workers, slash government agency budgets, and consolidate power.

“Nobody voted for Elon,” one protester stated. “He’s hijacking our government, cutting funding for essential programs, and treating workers as disposable.”

Anti-Tesla Movement Gains Momentum

The anti-Tesla sentiment is spreading across multiple countries, with protestors uniting under a common goal: hurting Musk’s bottom line. Demonstrators held boldly worded signs with statements such as:

“Fire Musk”
“We Don’t Need This Fascist”
“Honk If You Hate Nazis”
“No Swastikas – No Fascists”

Some placards even depicted Musk as an oligarch gaslighting the public, drawing comparisons between his leadership style and authoritarian regimes.

DOGE Backlash and Government Cuts

The protests also criticized Musk’s role in cryptocurrency manipulation, particularly regarding DOGE (Dogecoin). Many believe Musk’s influence over financial markets has led to instability, impacting small investors.

Moreover, demonstrators highlighted concerns over Musk’s reported backroom deals with the Trump administration, which they claim have resulted in:

Massive layoffs across federal agencies
Defunding critical public programs
Deregulation that benefits corporations while hurting workers

Protesters Demand Change

As the Tesla Takedown movement grows, activists vow to escalate demonstrations, urging consumers to boycott Tesla products and Musk-owned companies.

“We refuse to support a billionaire who disregards democracy, fires workers, and cuts essential programs,” said one organizer. “This is just the beginning.”

US NATIONAL NEWS

Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Calls Trump Officials’ Response to War Plans Leak “A Shameless Mountain of Lies”

Published

1 month ago

March 26, 2025

FNN NEWS

WASHINGTON (FNN) – A major national security scandal has erupted after top officials from President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly shared classified U.S. military strike plans in a private Signal chat, raising alarms about national security breaches and possible legal violations.

Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Speaks Out

Former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who served as a Trump impeachment manager, strongly condemned the breach, describing it as “a shameless mountain of lies” and a reckless compromise of military strategy.

“As a former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security committees, the thought of these people sharing strategic military operations on Signal is shocking. Those who testified before the Senate were under oath. Power built on endless lies is not power at all—it’s a house of cards. America, this will end badly unless you demand better,” Demings wrote in a statement on her personal Facebook page.

Val Demings is a former U.S. Congresswoman, former Trump Impeachment Manager, former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees, and retired Orlando Chief of Police.

Details of the Leaked War Plans

The National Security Council has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked messages, which included classified operational details of upcoming U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The leaked documents allegedly contained:

Target locations for military strikes
Weapon deployment strategies
Attack sequencing and operational details

The sensitive war plans were reportedly shared with The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a private Signal group chat involving:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Vice President JD Vance
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz

Possible Violations of Federal Laws & National Security Rules

The unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military operations may violate multiple federal laws, including:

Espionage Act (18 U.S. Code § 793) – Unlawful disclosure of classified national defense information
Presidential Records Act – Mishandling of government records and sensitive communications
Federal Records Act – Unauthorized sharing of government communications
Insider Threat Program Violations – Breach of classified intelligence security measures
UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) Violations – If military personnel were involved in the leak

Congress Calls for Full Investigation

Bipartisan leaders in both the Senate and House are calling for an investigation into the war plans leak. Lawmakers are demanding:

Public hearings to address the security breach
Testimony from top Trump officials named in the leak
Legal consequences for those responsible

During the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) described the actions of the nation’s top intelligence officials as “sloppy, careless, incompetent behavior.”

“If this was the case of a military officer or an intelligence officer and they had this kind of behavior, they would be fired,” he said.