DONE: Toomey-Manchin Background Check Fails to Garner 60 Votes

UPDATE

Senator Dianne Feinstein’s assault weapon ban amendment failed to pass the Senate today. It bans the sale of 157 different semi-automatic weapons and high capacity magazines.  The amendment was long expected to fail.  

The final vote was 40 in favor, 60 against. 

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After much lobbying and fan fare, the Toomey-Manchin expanded background check amendment has failed. The amendment needed 60 votes to pass, but fell short with only 54 votes. Vice President Joe Biden presided over the vote.

Yesterday, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords (along with Mark Kelly) was on the Hill “whipping” up support for the amendment.  A late compromise to the bill by Toomey and Manchin exempting people who live in rural areas did little convince those Senators on the fence. 

Although polls show support for background checks, there was growing concern that the Toomey-Manchin bill would lead to a national gun registry. 

Democrats voting against: Pryor (AR), Baucus (MT), Heitkamp (ND), Begich (AK), Reid (NV)

Republicans voting in favor: McCain (AZ), Collins (ME), Toomey (PA), Kirk (IL)