Democrat: A gun ban is not ‘feasible right now’

Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) said on Sunday that he does not support an assault weapons ban and does not believe a gun ban can pass Congress right now.

Asked by “This Week” host George Stephanopoulos whether he would support an assault weapons ban like his colleague Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jones said it’s not feasible and they should instead focus on policy goals that can be accomplished.

“We’ve got to get done what I think can be done right now. Let’s reach across and within our own party to do those things that we can do, and that to me is where I want to focus,” Jones said. “I really don’t believe that a gun ban is feasible right now.”

{mosads}

Jones, who was elected to the Senate in a special election in December in a heavily Republican state, said that politicians on both sides of the aisle should find common ground on gun policies.

He said that stronger background checks and an age limit for pistols and all semi-automatic weapons could be achievable and are supported by a majority of Americans. 

Jones noted that he supports the student survivors from a school shooting in Parkland, Fla., who are working to advocate increased gun restrictions. But he said that Democrats should not demonize the National Rifle Association and pro-gun groups.