Sorry,
GHWB did the NON-SPORTING ban... nice wasn't it!
I wish I had one party I could count on... I'm not sure it is even the NRA...
I recall some sporting semi-autos being banned back then, too - specifically H&K's walnut-stocked hunting rifles (which shared little with that company's military-pattern firearms). Or perhaps H&K pulled the plug on those imports from their end, since the majority of their product line was unwelcome - I can't recall how it all went down.
FWIW, there was a rumored change in these import regs (aimed at parts kits, particularly barrels) during Clinton's last six months in office. It was never actually implemented, as far as I can tell. You're right; where this issue is concerned, neither political party can be trusted to respect our rights.