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Smith: Commitment to the crisis, not the fix

Nidal Hassan, who was charged with killing 13 and wounding 30 at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009, is one of a dozen mass shooters whose actions came while the Democratic Congress had a veto-proof majority at times from 2009 to 2011 but failed to enact serious gun legislation.
Nidal Hassan, who was charged with killing 13 and wounding 30 at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009, is one of a dozen mass shooters whose actions came while the Democratic Congress had a veto-proof majority at times from 2009 to 2011 but failed to enact serious gun legislation. Nidal Hassan, who was charged with killing 13 and wounding 30 at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009, is one of a dozen mass shooters whose actions came while the Democratic Congress had a veto-proof majority at times from 2009 to 2011 but failed to enact serious gun legislation.

By Robin Smith 3 min read

The 110th and 111th Congresses – both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate – were held by large majorities of Democrats. From 2007 through 2011, the legislative agenda of Congress was controlled by those on the left side of the political aisle who most loudly demanded gun controls.

Were there any gun restrictions or limiting proposals put forward during this four-year window?

photo Robin Smith

The 111th Congress was constitutionally seated in January 2009, and President Barack Obama was inaugurated. For two years, Democrats had complete control and unfettered legislative authority in making laws in the United States of America.

Were there any proposals to limit access to guns from 2009 through 2011? Were there any reforms for licensure, mental health considerations, etc.?

The answer is no to all.