“I sort of like [Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas] Massie’s legislation that maybe everyone who’s a voter or on their way to vote ought to have the opportunity to carry a firearm to ensure that they’re not subject to any intimidation,” Gaetz stated.
Gaetz’s remark arrived as the House Judiciary Committee marked up a package of bills that attempt to tighten gun regulations. Among the measures included is legislation that would ban straw purchases — when someone who cannot pass a background check buys a firearm through a proxy buyer — and a bill that would raise the age requirement to buy a semi-automatic weapon from 18 to 21 years old.
A CRYING SHAME: PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTS FORCE USC TO CANCEL PRIMARY GRADUATION EVENT
A Gaetz aide explained to The Hill that the congressman was referring to an amendment to the latter measure proposed by Massie that attempts to create a carve-out from the age requirement for individuals registered for Selective Service. This system follows data on men ages 18 to 25 for national emergencies.
REPUBLICAN SENATORS EXPOSE DARK SIDE OF 'FOOD DELIVERY' ECONOMICS
The amendment failed in a 24-20 vote.
According to the Los Angeles Times, roughly a dozen states prohibit guns from being carried at polling sites, including California, Arizona, Florida, and Georgia.
AMERICA'S BIRTHRATE CONTINUES TO PLUMMET - ARE MILLENNIALS TRADING DIAPERS FOR DEGREES?
On the other hand, five key swing states — Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin — have not enacted bans on firearms at polling places, despite having the constitutional authority to do so, according to a study conducted in September 2020 by Guns Down and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, two gun-control organizations.
SEE TO BELIEVE: COMING SOON TO A KID'S DRAG SHOW NEAR YOU...(WATCH)
Concerns about voter intimidation mounted around the 2020 presidential election, particularly after then-President Trump encouraged his supporters to monitor polls on Election Day.
Several states have passed voting bills in the outcomes of the 2020 race, including Texas, where partisan poll watchers who can observe elections were given more authority. The bill in part bans election officials from turning down appointed poll watchers, making such a move a Class A misdemeanor.
MSNBC'S CHRIS HAYES DELETED TWEET SPARKS A SH*T SHOW
Gaetz is a supporter of gun rights. Last week, in response to a tweet asking why civilians need AR-15-style rifles, the Florida Republican listed “target sport,” “Self defense,” and “Hog hunting.”
ARE THERE MORE? 'GILGO BEACH' MURDERS CASE EXPANDS WITH NEW SEARCH
“Just to name a few…” he continued on Twitter.
Last month, the gun debate returned to national headlines after a gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, murdering 19 students and two adults. Ten days before that, a gunman fatally shot 10 Black individuals in a racially motivated incident at a grocery store in Buffalo, N.Y.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
