Feinstein, Democrats Seek Tougher Gun Laws Following Colorado Massacre
WASHINGTON (KCBS) – Senator Dianne Feinstein joined several other Democrats on Tuesday to call for new gun control laws in the wake of last week's mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater.
"Why do you need this? You don't need it for hunting. Most states have limits on the number of bullets you can have on the clip," Feinstein said. "You don't need it for self defense. Why do you need it?"
Over the weekend Feinstein admitted that politically, it's probably not the time to reinstate the federal assault weapons ban or outlaw the sale of high-capacity magazines.
KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:
But Feinstein is proposing the tougher laws anyway, saying there is no reason to let people such as shooting suspect James Holmes legally purchase weapons such as the AR-15.
Feinstein and her colleagues want Congress to enact what she calls "common sense reforms." But San Francisco gun owner Peter Buxton, a member of the National Rifle Association and many other gun right groups, said new legislation is unnecessary.
"We need to enforce existing laws," he said.
Speaker of the House John Boehner said there will be no Congressional action on this issue.
"The President has made clear that he's not going to use this horrific event to push for new gun laws. I agree," Boehner said.
California is one of six states that have its own ban on semiautomatic weapons and on magazines with more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
