i feel a lot better knowing the numbers in the house are much more favorable, and no one needs to posture there on the republican side because they already own a fair majority.

That is what everyone said weeks ago.  "It won't even get to the floor."  But here we are.  Lesson learned:  be prepared. 

My understanding is that the AWB and mag cap limits have been removed and the bill that has moved forward is really an expanded NICS check bill and not a gun ban bill.

Has that changed?

Keep in mind that this is more about politics than what is best for the country. I'd guess the republicans who defected have significant liberal constituencies and want to hold on to their seats. They're probably seeing the same thing we are: looking at the house, assuming that it won't get all the way to passing and doing a little "harmless" politicking along the way.

The statement their actions makes is "This subject is too important to the American people for it to be held up in procedures. It should go to the floor and the representatives of the people should have their vote."

What that does is remove the blame from the obstructing group and spread it out to the whole assembly. It is politically safer that way... assuming the bill doesn't pass the House.

yes, that has changed
senate leadership has said that the AWB and mag cap are going to be re-submitted as amendments after the compromise NICS amendment is in place

My understanding is that the AWB and mag cap limits have been removed and the bill that has moved forward is really an expanded NICS check bill and not a gun ban bill.

Has that changed?

Keep in mind that this is more about politics than what is best for the country. I'd guess the republicans who defected have significant liberal constituencies and want to hold on to their seats. They're probably seeing the same thing we are: looking at the house, assuming that it won't get all the way to passing and doing a little "harmless" politicking along the way.

The statement their actions makes is "This subject is too important to the American people for it to be held up in procedures. It should go to the floor and the representatives of the people should have their vote."

What that does is remove the blame from the obstructing group and spread it out to the whole assembly. It is politically safer that way... assuming the bill doesn't pass the House.

yes, that has changed
senate leadership has said that the AWB and mag cap are going to be re-submitted as amendments after the compromise NICS amendment is in place

Yup.  I always worry because I don't trust government.  Whether it is blue or red matters not.  Not to be trusted.

yes, that has changed
senate leadership has said that the AWB and mag cap are going to be re-submitted as amendments after the compromise NICS amendment is in place

good.

the bill now has a super low chance of passing the senate, and functionally, zero chance of passing the house.

That is what everyone said weeks ago.  "It won't even get to the floor."  But here we are.  Lesson learned:  be prepared.

it didnt.  we were talking all about the stand alone feinstein AWB.  this background check bill hadnt even been introduced.

it didnt.  we were talking all about the stand alone feinstein AWB.  this background check bill hadnt even been introduced.

AMMENDMENT---That is how it got passed the first time.  Don't think for one minute there is zero chance.  Just sayin!

awb and mag cap amendments will likely be defeated, but reid had to put them in to pacify feinstein
then we will be left with the original bill and the compromise NICS amendment

good.

the bill now has a super low chance of passing the senate, and functionally, zero chance of passing the house.