Senate Democrats dropping assault weapons ban from gun bill

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the sponsor of a proposed assault weapons ban, says that Senate majority Leader Harry Reid told her that the ban has been dropped from the Democratic gun bill being offered on the Senate floor, the Associated Press reported.

Feinstein herself learned the news after a meeting with Reid. “My understanding is it will not be [part of the base bill],” Feinstein told Politico. “It will be separate.”

More from GlobalPost: Assault weapons ban passes Senate committee (VIDEO)

When Politico asked why the decision was made, Feinstein responded: “You will have to ask him [Reid]." 

Though the ban will be introduced as a separate amendment, its chances of being passed now are very unlikely, The Washington Post reported

Will you support The World today?

The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!