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Chris Bell on Gun Control

Former Democratic Representative (TX-25, 2001-2005)

 


Universal background checks; buyback assault weapons

The Democratic candidates for Senate agreed on the need for legislation to end gun violence but differed on whether such laws were possible in a Republican-controlled chamber.

"Nothing is going to get done," said former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell, who said he supports universal background checks and a buyback program for assault weapons. "It speaks to how broken our democracy is. Until you elect more independently minded people, nothing is going to change."

Source: Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senate debate , Sep 5, 2019

Ban assault weapons, with mandatory buyback

Two of MJ Hegar's rivals pounced after she rejected Beto O'Rourke's call for mandatory buybacks of assault weapons--reflecting a major fault line in the field of Democrats angling to take down Sen. John Cornyn next year.

Chris Bell, a former Houston congressman, called Hegar's stance "incredibly disappointing" and said, "The last thing we need right now is a tepid response on the issue of gun violence."

Source: , Sep 5, 2019

Voted YES on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse.

Vote to pass a bill that would prohibit liability lawsuits from being brought against gun manufacturers and dealers based on the criminal misuse of firearms. The bill would also block these actions from being brought up against gun trade organizations and against ammunition makers and sellers. The measure would apply immediately to any pending cases. Several specific exceptions to the ban exist. This includes civil suits would be allowed against a maker or dealer who "knowingly and willfully violated" state or federal laws in the selling or marketing of a weapon. Design and manufacturing defect lawsuits are also permitted when weapons are "used as intended.
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill HR 1036 ; vote number 2003-124 on Apr 9, 2003

Other candidates on Gun Control: Chris Bell on other issues:
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Andrew White
Annise Parker
Beto O`Rourke
David Dewhurst
George P. Bush
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Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez
John Cornyn
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Royce West
Sema Hernandez
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Page last updated: Apr 25, 2020