In 1993, Democrats passed background checks for firearms purchasers, and in 1994, they were romped in the congressional elections.
Then, as now, we had a Democrat president–Bill Clinton–and a Democrat-controlled Senate, under Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell (D-Maine).
The difference between then and now is that the House of Representatives was also controlled by Democrats, so they were able, legislatively, to do whatever they wanted to do, whenever they wanted to do it. And they wanted background checks; therefore, they passed the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act in 1993. It required a five-day waiting period on handgun purchases, during which time the FBI did a background check on the prospective handgun purchaser.
Clinton signed the measure into law on November 30, 1993, and in November 1994, the Republicans picked up 54 seats in the House and gained control of the Senate, as well.
Then, as now, Democrats said the American people wanted background checks. Now, as then, Republicans should be running against the Democrat push for more gun control.
Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins
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