Aug 5, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Beto O'Rourke backs abolishing filibuster to pass gun control

Ursula Perano

Beto standing and looking to the side. — Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke told Pod Save America Monday that he favors abolishing the filibuster in order to enact gun control legislation.

Why it matters: The former Texas congressman has been a vocal figure since a mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart left 22 dead on Saturday. The event has triggered renewed attention to gun control legislation, with a focus on two background check bills passed by the House but not yet heard in the Senate.

What he's saying: When asked if he would be open to a gun buyback program, O'Rourke said, "Yes, and I'm open to them right now as a candidate. It absolutely has to be a part of the conversation. And if at the end of the day it's going to save lives... then let's move forward and do it."

The big picture: Congress is on August recess, but leading Democrats and some Republicans are calling for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to call the Senate back to session to hear the measures. McConnell is currently working from home while recovering from a fractured shoulder.

Fellow 2020 hopefuls Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Gov. Jay Inslee have also called to end the filibuster.

Go deeper: Where 2020 Democrats stand on gun control

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Beto O'Rourke backs abolishing filibuster to pass gun control

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