The comments from a Sen. John Barrasso are a reminder of the hurdles to passing new legislation curbing gun violence. | Alex Wong/Getty Images congress Sen. John Barrasso throws cold water on new gun legislation

Sen. John Barrasso said Friday that he had concerns about “red flag” laws and voiced skepticism that Republicans would support expanded background checks during gun sales.

“I want to make sure we protect our constitutional rights and whatever comes up will actually help solve a problem,” Barrasso, the No. 3 Senate Republican, told reporters. “I have a lot of concerns about the due process component of [red flag laws] and I don’t want to punish law-abiding citizens.”


As for bipartisan background checks legislation, which he previously voted against and has repeatedly fallen short in the Senate, the Wyoming senator said, “I don’t expect things have changed much.”

The comments from a member of GOP leadership are a reminder of the hurdles to passing legislation that would curb gun violence, despite calls for action from President Donald Trump and comments from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressing openness to a debate.

Trump urged Congress to pass red flag laws, which allow authorities to seize weapons from an individual who may be a threat to others or themselves. Trump has also spoken positively about strengthening background check laws.

McConnell said Thursday that red flag laws and background checks would be “front and center” in the discussion over new gun laws in the wake of two mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he would introduce legislation to incentivize states to enact red flag programs — something Democrats may support but also see as insufficient without universal background checks on gun sales.

Trump’s calls for tougher background check legislation have also given new life to the bipartisan proposal from Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to expand background checks to all commercial sales. That proposal has failed twice in the Senate, with significant Republican opposition, and it’s unclear whether Trump’s support will change the dynamic.



CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report incorrectly identified Sen. Joe Manchin's party affiliation.