Sen. Bob Casey: Gun control measures would not infringe on certain gun rights

Just hours before President Obama unveils proposals for executive measures that would impose stricter policies on gun control, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said proposals to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazine clips would not infringe on gun owners' rights.

He also said that an assault weapons ban would not have an “adverse impact” on important considerations for Pennsylvanians:

“One, the basic right to protect yourself and purchase a gun if you need to protect your family," Casey said. "And two the hunting tradition we have in Pennsylvania, which is strong and a part of the community and state, really a part of the family. Neither will be impacted when it comes to these two measures and may not be adversely affected when it comes to other measures we might vote in future.”

Casey, a longtime gun advocate, recently spoke out in favor of stricter gun control in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

In an emotional turnabout to voters, Casey, who has earned favorable rating from the National Rifle Association, said he was in favor of a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, explaining that the Newtown, Conn., shooting had deeply affected him.

On Tuesday, Casey said he had received feedback from a wide range of constituents.

“We’ve heard from a lot of people across the state. We heard for and against,” Casey said. “It’s that kind of an issue, one that’s maybe more personal with people but I think the two measures we are likely to vote on -- the magazines, number of bullets and military style weapons -- both are common sense measures I hope we can pass.”

Casey said Washington would have to consider other elements to a solution, including mental health politics, which he thought would turn out to be a major state issue.

Casey also said video games and the entertainment culture would have to be a part of the gun control debate, as well as initiatives to support local police, bullet proof vests for police and local law enforcement programs.

“All three have been short changed in the last couple of years or worst over the last decade,” Casey said.

Obama on Wednesday is scheduled to unveil a 19-step plan to place stricter laws on gun regulation. Although the measures would have limited scope, they could include stricter rules on background checks and tougher penalties on gun trafficking, among other measures.

Despite stiff opposition from gun lobbyists and gun advocates, Obama has said he will continue to seek support for sweeping gun legislation, including a ban on assault weapons.

Casey said there is more support for these two measure now than in the recent past.

“I hope we can have a good debate about them and not have a political debate,” he said.

Casey said the Newtown, Conn., shooting had moved him “in a very emotional and significant way.”

“Some might say these mass shootings have happened a number of times and why haven’t you been moved or had a different perspective on one vote or another vote and I don’t have a good answer for that,” he said. “I’m sure there are families out there and some communities that wished that federal and state officials took a different view months ago or years ago. All I can do is look forward and try to be as constructive as I can be.”

Casey is scheduled to hold a press conference in York on Wednesday to call for increased federal funding to law enforcement agencies.

And he’s a scientific genius, to boot.

Looks like Casey was REALLY busy in May (campaign donation time, mayhap?):

S. 2770 (112th): A bill to suspend temporarily the duty on reaction product of 3,5-dimethyl-1,2-diazole with polymer of hexane-1,6-diyl diisocyanate.