Skip to content

Curbelo: Regulatory Fix to Bump Stocks a ‘Big Mistake’

Florida Republican at odds with Paul Ryan

Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., says that pushing for a regulatory fix banning bump stocks is a big mistake. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., says that pushing for a regulatory fix banning bump stocks is a big mistake. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Rep. Carlos Curbelo on Wednesday called Speaker Paul D. Ryan’s push for a regulatory fix banning bump stocks “a big mistake.”

“If we agree that this should be banned we should have the courage of our convictions and proceed with legislation that will make that explicitly clear,” the Florida Republican said.

Curbelo introduced a bipartisan bill to ban bump stocks with Massachusetts Democrat Seth Moulton on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which regulates firearms and interprets the meaning of gun control laws Congress passes, twice found under the Obama administration that they cannot prohibit the devices, Curbelo noted.

“If they were to change their interpretation now, they would be on some very weak legal footing,” he said.

Curbelo said he plans to continue building support for his bill with Moulton, which has 10 Republican and 10 Democratic original co-sponsors.

“Let’s do the right thing; let’s be courageous,” he said. “Let’s not try to sweep issues under the rug. This deserves a real solution, and members should be given an opportunity to get on the record.” 

Recent Stories

Case highlights debate over ‘life of the mother’ exception

Supreme Court split on Idaho abortion ban in emergency rooms

Donald Payne Jr., who filled father’s seat in the House, dies at 65

Biden signs foreign aid bill, says weapons to be sent to allies within hours

Airlines must report fees, issue prompt refunds, new rules say

Capitol Ink | B Movie