WH tells Paul, Lee, and Cruz not to filibuster gun control bill

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and the two senators who provided the most support for his talking filibuster of the drone program intend to use less dramatic means to block the Senate gun control legislation, a move the White House suggested is insensitive to the victims of gun violence.

“We will oppose the motion to proceed to any legislation that will serve as a vehicle for any additional gun restrictions,” the lawmakers wrote to Senate Majority Harry Reid, D-Nev., in a letter on Friday.

The White House criticized the Republican senators’ decision. “To tell the families of those who lost their children to gun violence, that votes like this might be filibustered, I don’t think that would be welcome news,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement.

Cruz raised the specter of a national gun registry in a statement explaining his move. “The Democrats’ proposed legislation would require universal background checks for private sales between law-abiding citizens, which according to DOJ would be effective only if accompanied by a national gun registry,” he said. “This raises serious constitutional issues, and would divert resources from prosecuting felons and fugitives who try to illegally purchase guns.” [link to washingtonexaminer.com]