Curbelo launches bipartisan effort to prohibit “bump stocks” on rifles

So-called “bump stocks,” attachments to semiautomatic rifles that exacerbate the rate of fire like those used in the recent Las Vegas mass shooting, would be banned under a bipartisan legislative effort announced by U.S. Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) on Thursday.

Curbelo said there is growing bipartisan consensus for firearm reform for the first time in decades.

“Common sense legislation that does not restrict Second Amendment rights is an important first step in addressing gun violence in our country,” Curbelo said. “By banning devices that blatantly circumvent already existing law, we can show that Congress is capable of working constructively to make Americans safer.”

The legislation will be structured so that cosponsors have to sign on with a member from the opposite party to maintain a bipartisan balance.

Under current law, bump stocks that enable semi-automatic guns to function as fully automatic weapons capable of firing 400 to 800 rounds per minute are legal and can be purchased online. The new legislation would prohibit the manufacturing, sale and use of bump stocks.

“It’s time for members of Congress to find the courage to come together and finally do something to help stop the epidemic of mass shootings,” Moulton said. “As members of Congress, it is our responsibility to protect the American people. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. I am proud to be leading this bipartisan effort to take action to keep our communities safe.”