The sit-in launched by Democrats in the House of Representatives may be over, but the gridlock in Washington over the gun debate offers a stark contrast with what happened in Richmond earlier this year. That’s when leaders from opposing parties were able to craft a sweeping compromise on the issue.
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Historic deal making in Richmond. Intractable gridlock in Washington.
“We just can’t tolerate business as usual. We have to at least vote on bills. We know what to do. We know the kinds of things we can do to make a difference to reduce mass shootings, and we need to take some action," said Democratic Congressman Bobby Scott of Newport News.
Scott says that includes preventing folks on the terrorist watch list from buying guns, a bill that remains in a state of limbo in Washington. It’s an effort Democrats are likely to introduce newt year in Richmond.
“So here’s what I expect is going to happen in Richmond in January: No one will have a hissy fit sit-in in the House."
That’s Republican Delegate Dave Albo of Springfield. He says he would be willing to support the issue as long as nobody is denied the right to buy a gun without due-process, an issue Democrats and Republicans were able to work out earlier this year on denying guns to domestic abusers.
“And so they sat down and they talked and said 'OK, well how about let’s do it at the protective order stage where a person has an opportunity to be heard and a judge makes a decision?' And then both sides said, 'OK, that's a reasonable compromise.'"
That bill will become law next month, even as Washington remains in gridlock.
