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Trump offers support for 'comprehensive' approach on guns | TheHill

posted onMarch 1, 2018
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Article snippet: MORE on Wednesday called for a comprehensive approach to gun reform, challenging a number of long-held Republican positions and diving head first into the politically charged debate over guns. The president, who has been eager to take action following a deadly shooting at a Florida high school this month, hosted a bipartisan group of lawmakers at the White House to explore potential ways to curb gun violence. But instead of focusing on areas of bipartisan consensus, Trump spent a majority of the hourlong meeting voicing support for a hodgepodge of ideas that are anathema to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and likely to give conservatives heartburn. The president appeared eager to position himself as a Republican who is willing to stand up to the powerful gun group and pushed GOP lawmakers to do the same.  “Some of you are petrified of the NRA,” Trump said. “They do have great power over you people. They have less power over me. I don’t need it, what do I need?” Still, Trump did express support for ending gun-free school zones, which is a priority backed by the NRA. The president also said he likes the idea of arming trained teachers and faculty members with weapons, though suggested it may be a decision better left up to the states. Trump seemed to be in his element during the televised, freewheeling meeting, which allowed him to play the role of dealmaker-in-chief.  He promised to write an executive order banning bump stock, devices that make semi-automatic... Link to the full article to read more

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