Nevada Congressional members just reintroduced a bill that would ban those devices called bump stocks. You might remember these from the awful Las Vegas shooting back in 2017. This is a big deal for folks who care about gun rights and limited government, so let’s break it down.
What’s Happening Right Now
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen and Representative Dina Titus, both Democrats from Nevada, are bringing back the Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act (BUMP Act) to Congress. This bill would ban bump stocks and other devices that they say allow semi-automatic guns to work like fully automatic weapons. (No.)
Today @RepBrianFitz and I introduced bipartisan legislation that would subject bump stocks to the strictest of prohibitions. The Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act would codify the bump stock ban into law. @Everytown @NewtownAction @bradybuzz @GIFFORDS_org…
— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) April 9, 2025
“What’s a bump stock?” you might ask. It’s an attachment that fits on a regular rifle and helps it fire bullets much faster using recoil. Critics compare this rate of fire to a machine gun.
After the Las Vegas shooting, President Trump’s administration banned these devices. But here’s the important part: Last year, the Supreme Court struck down that ban. The Court said the government overstepped its authority.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
If you believe in limited government, this should get your attention. There are two key issues at play.
First, there’s the question of who makes the rules. The Supreme Court’s decision wasn’t about whether bump stocks are good or bad. It was about who gets to decide. The Court ruled that the administration had “overstepped its authority” when it banned bump stocks without Congress passing a law.
Second, there’s the gun rights issue. Many conservatives believe the Second Amendment is a foundational right that shouldn’t be chipped away. Any new gun control measure raises the question: where does it stop?
What Critics Are Saying
Democrats pushing this bill argue that bump stocks have no legitimate use for hunting or self-defense.
Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus said:
“if you put a bump stock on a gun you can then fire 400-800 rounds in a minute. It’s not for hunting, it’s not for sport. It’s a weapon of war.”
What Conservatives Are Saying
Many conservatives feel differently. When a similar bill came up last year, Republican Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska blocked it, saying it was:
“about banning as many firearm accessories as possible.”
The concern is that this isn’t just about bump stocks – it’s about government overreach. If Congress can ban one firearm accessory today, what will they ban tomorrow?
Some conservatives also point out that the Supreme Court’s ruling was about following proper legal processes. In our system, major changes should come from Congress, not from administrative agencies making their own rules.
What’s Next and What You Can Do
The BUMP Act isn’t new. It’s been introduced before but has failed to pass. With the 2024 election behind us and new lawmakers in office, its supporters are trying again.
If this issue matters to you, here are some actions to consider:
- Call your representatives. Let them know where you stand on the bump stock ban.
- Stay informed about the bill’s progress. It could move quickly through committees.
- Join or support organizations that align with your views on gun rights and limited government.
- Talk with friends and family about the principles at stake – not just the specific device.
Remember, this debate isn’t just about a piece of plastic. It’s about bigger questions: How much power should the government have? Who decides what’s legal? And how do we balance safety concerns with constitutional rights?
Whatever your position, it’s worth keeping an eye on this bill as it moves through Congress. It’s a perfect example of how our system of checks and balances works – and why every citizen’s voice matters in these important debates.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
