WASHINGTON – Speaker Paul Ryan has no plans to pass legislation President Trump wants to arm teachers.
The Wisconsin Republican said he personally supports allowing certain teachers to carry guns, but doesn’t believe it’s up to Congress to decide.
“That really is a question for local government, local school boards and local states,” Ryan said Tuesday after meeting with his GOP caucus.
“As a parent myself and as a citizen, I think it’s a good idea. But as Speaker of the House, I think we need to respect federalism and respect local jurisdictions.”
In the wake of Parkland school massacre, students and activists have demanded tougher background checks, more school security, changes to mental health laws and a ban on assault weapons.
Ryan pointed to the “colossal breakdown” of law enforcement, FBI and background check systems that led to the deaths of 17 innocent kids and staff.
He rejected any bans on semi-automatic weapons, which the majority of House Democrats signed onto Monday in new legislation to ban 205 specific firearms.
“We shouldn’t be banning guns for law-abiding citizens, we should be focusing on making sure that citizens who should not get guns in the first place don’t get those guns,” Ryan said.
The House has already passed “Fix NICS” legislation to compel states and federal agencies to turn over criminal data to the FBI for gun background checks.
But it has coupled that with legislation to allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons across state lines.
The House is waiting on the Senate to pass similar legislation to fix the NCIS system, spurred by the Sutherland Springs gunman passing a background check after the military failed to report his court martial.