Assault Weapons and other matters

Dear Sen. Reid,

While I realize that, as Senator from Nevada, your primary obligation is to the citizens of Nevada, it is in your capacity as Senate Majority Leader - which is a position with national implications - that I address these remarks to you.

I can understand from a political standpoint that you would prefer not to bring Bills to the floor of the Senate unless you believe they will ultimately pass, but how many more mass shootings will it take for Congress to actually do something? We had an "assault weapons" ban for 10 years, and I can't see that it did any damage to the Republic. Some issues are so important that, even if you do not think a Bill will pass, there is value in forcing a vote on it so Senators will be on the record.

We are always being told that, as citizens, the way we can counter the influence of lobbyists is by bringing pressure on our Representatives and Senators. We cannot do that, however, if they do not get to (or have to) vote on issues! There is no way for the public to hold our Legislators accountable if they never do anything.

In my opinion, there are several issues that deserve a vote. Senator Feinstein's amendment is just one of them. Why not break out the various gun control proposals into separate Bills, and schedule up-or-down votes in them individually? At least, that way we would all know where our Legislators stand.

I am also very disappointed that no meaningful filibuster reform was done in this Congress. It is obvious that your "handshake agreement" with Senator McConnell is not going to work - the least you could do is force any Senator blocking a Bill or nomination to hold the floor, as Senator Paul did last week.

Please reconsider your decision to not bring Senator Feinstein's Bill up for a vote. The entire country would thank you.

Sincerely,
--
Henry Stilmack