WASHINGTON — As bipartisan discussions heat up on legislation to combat gun violence, John Cornyn, chief Senate Republican negotiator from Texas, finds himself in familiar territory: shattering unfounded claims that Senate is trying to subvert the Second Amendment.
Cornyn stated Monday that he was not referring to restricting rights of law-abiding gun owners and citizens. “What I care about is keeping guns away from those who aren’t allowed to own them by law: people with mental illness, people with criminal records.
These remarks were a direct reflection of the Republican Party’s explosive gun politics. They have been the primary obstacle to Congress taking major action for decades despite mass shootings becoming more common in the U.S. Gun rights activists view previous proposals to reduce gun violence, however modest and popular, in terms of slippery slopes to seizing their guns.
A Senate where rural and pro-gun states make up a large portion of the population has played a significant role in blocking bills to limit deadly weapon access. Republican senators are wary of backlash if they vote to restrict weapons.
That perception must be changed. 1. To reach a deal.
Cornyn stated, “I’m proud to support the Second Amendment.”
Senator Chris Murphy, Connecticut’s top Democratic negotiator said that this time is different after the string of horrendous mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde (Texas) to Philadelphia.
“Parents are afraid to death that we won’t do anything,” he said. He said that the overwhelming majority of Americans want us to do something.
Cornyn is now at the center for any hope of action with the Senate Republicans holding an effective vote to veto gun legislation. He was encouraged by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky, to negotiate for the GOP, and he said Tuesday that he hopes to see an accord “sooner than later”.
After a GOP meeting, he said to reporters that Sen. Cornyn knew more about the subject than any Senator. “And I believe he’s working with Sen. Murphy in good faith to try and achieve an outcome.”
The objective is to find a safe area that can win Democratic support, address the problem with mass shootings, and not offend gun-rights voters or a passionate segment of the Republican base.
Two GOP Senate aides stated that Cornyn’s support is essential for any bill to succeed. It’s simple. Cornyn’s support is crucial to win over McConnell. The 50-50 Senate has proven time and again that McConnell is the only way to end a filibuster. Cornyn, who is considered a potential successor for McConnell met with him Monday.
The Democrats see Cornyn’s essential role in securing a deal as well.
“He is the key linchpin for votes. … He is well-respected at the Republican conference. He’s smart, intelligent, and savvy,” stated Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn). “Basically, if Cornyn is aboard, it would be a pretty good indicator that McConnell would also be.”
Cornyn has ruled against a number of President Joe Biden’s proposals, including the ban on semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. Cornyn doesn’t want to raise the age for purchasing such weapons from 18-21. A Cornyn aide stressed that he isn’t looking to “expand” background checks, but to “strengthen them.”
Biden still calls Cornyn, McConnell “rational Republicans”, who recognize that the status-quo in mass shootings cannot continue.
Cornyn’s close associates are watching Republican sentiment closely, hoping for broad support from around half of the 50-member caucus. They are also monitoring the activist community, who has been fairly quiet about Cornyn’s modest measures to improve background checks and “red flag” laws.
Some Democrats are wary about McConnell and Cornyn’s intentions. They fear that they won’t support anything meaningful, and that negotiations are just an attempt to look reasonable in light of the high national support for stricter gun regulations.
“Republicans have not acted on guns, contrary the overwhelming public opinion, over many years. Democrats are naturally skeptical that the GOP leaders who have repeatedly said no over years are now interested in getting to yes,” stated Matt House, a former aide to the Democratic Senate leadership. “If Republicans had to finish the clock on negotiating legislative details before they walked away, it wouldn’t be the first.”
Some GOP senators have higher ambitions and are keeping their distance.
Senator Josh Hawley (Republican from Missouri) said that voters in his state are “really, really worried” about negotiations. He also noted that the party leadership had backed them.
He said, “I received a lot of earfuls form constituents who said, you know? ‘I want criminals punished, I want the shooters to stop, but don’t come after me Second Amendment rights.'”
Ted Cruz, a junior senator from Texas, is another wild card. He was a Republican candidate for president in 2016 but may run again. Cruz spoke to reporters Monday and claimed that Democrats are seeking to “disarm law-abiding citizens.” He also denied that he trusted Cornyn to make a deal. Cruz then accused reporters of trying to pit one Republican against the other.
Other Republicans keep their minds open.
“John is a Texas native and knows the Senate Republican Conference like no one else. He also knows the Constitution,” stated Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) “I am confident that he will keep it between the ditches.”
Senator Chuck Grassley (Republican from Iowa), is running for re-election this fall in a conservative-leaning State. He said he supports negotiations in principle but declined to comment on any policy proposals.
He said, “I’m going wait to see what kind of a list they present.” “I believe there is a real, very strong chance with these two people working together. They did it in 2018 and I believe it can be done again.
However, Democrats are still nervous that pro-gun activists might exploit fears about the Second Amendment to intimidate Republicans.
“That complaint is not new. Blumenthal stated that so far, it has been quite effective. “Obviously, we are at a different time. It remains to be determined if it is. This is a very important part of the history. Gun groups still hold enormous power and influence to threaten and intimidate Republican colleagues. It’s either put up or shut down time.
Blumenthal stated that the National Rifle Association does not necessarily have to be supportive in order to influence Republicans. He said, “If they vehemently disagree with something, it’s a major obstacle.” “If they are willing to stand aside, that is a different position.”
Murphy met Biden at White House Tuesday. He stated that talks are entering a “very critical stage” and expressed hope of reaching an agreement this week. He said that if needed, he would be willing to take more time.
He was kind enough to praise Cornyn for being an honest broker and pointed out that they had worked together on the 2018 Fix NICS Act.
