Civil Liberties

Anti-Gun Activists Raise Pressure as Pro-Rights Senators Promise Filibuster

Bloomberg a major player in the anti-freedom camp

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Supporters of comprehensive gun control legislation are ratcheting up pressure on wavering lawmakers, trying to clear the way for Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid to proceed with a bill in the face of mounting roadblocks from conservative members.

At least 14 Republican senators have threatened to filibuster the firearms legislation, complaining that it would curb the rights of the law-abiding while doing little to reduce crime. "The more people learn about the consequences of current gun control proposals, the less they will support the new restrictions," Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said.

If Lee and his colleagues succeed, their objections would require any bill to garner 60 votes, a heavy lift for Reid and the White House.