Portrait of Bernie Sanders
Politician · policy
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Bernie Sanders on Gun Control

Supports stricter gun laws (strong)

TL;DR

Bernie Sanders advocates for a middle-ground federal approach to gun control, favoring specific bans alongside state jurisdiction.

Key Points

  • He voted in favor of a federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines holding more than ten rounds.

  • He supports closing the gun show loophole to ensure expanded background checks for all commercial firearm sales.

  • He previously supported the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in 2005 but later supported its repeal.

Summary

Bernie Sanders positions himself as advocating for a middle-ground solution in the national gun debate, acknowledging cultural differences between rural and urban gun owners. He believes federal intervention should focus on specific, key areas, such as a nationwide ban on assault weapons and the implementation of instant background checks to keep firearms from criminals and those with mental illness. He has stressed that meaningful debate requires avoiding extreme positions on both sides of the issue.

His stance has evolved over time, particularly noted by his shift regarding manufacturer liability; he previously voted in favor of a law protecting gun makers from lawsuits but later co-sponsored a bill to repeal it. Furthermore, he supports addressing gun violence through measures beyond legislation, including significant efforts to improve mental healthcare access, arguing that addressing root causes is also crucial to curbing the epidemic of violence.

Key Quotes

“I can understand if some Democrats or Republicans represent an urban area where people don't hunt, don't do target practice, they're not into guns. But in my state, people go hunting and do target practice. Talking about cultural divides in this country, you know, it is important for people in urban America to understand that families go out together and kids go out together and they hunt and enjoy the outdoors and that is a lifestyle that should not be condemned.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Bernie Sanders supports what he describes as a middle-ground approach to gun control legislation. He advocates for specific federal actions, including a ban on assault weapons and universal background checks, while respecting the difference in gun culture between rural and urban America.

Yes, the Vermont senator's position has evolved on certain aspects of gun policy over his career. Most notably, he shifted his view on federal law protecting gun manufacturers from civil lawsuits, moving from a 'no' vote in 2005 to supporting repeal years later.

He has stated a key part of his platform is to take on the National Rifle Association due to its corrupting effect on Washington politics. He criticizes the powerful lobbying group for opposing common-sense gun reforms he supports.