The Good
When he ran for reelection is 2012, he had an "A-" rating from the NRA. However, this has definitely changed for the worse. The only question is, by how much. I couldn't find a current rating.
Ban of "high-capacity magazines" of over 10 rounds: TESTER VOTED NO
Would have banned the sale or transfer of any magazine or ammunition feeding device holding more than 10 rounds. Current owners would have been able to keep them and active and retired law enforcement would have been exempt.
Allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains: TESTER VOTED YES
Ensures that law abiding Amtrak passengers are allowed to securely transport firearms in their checked baggage.
Prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership: TESTER VOTED YES
Prohibits the use of funds by international organizations, agencies, and entities (including the United Nations) that require the registration of, or taxes guns owned by citizens of the United States.
National cross-state standard for concealed carry (2009-2010): TESTER SUPPORTED THE BILL
H.R.197&S.845 - Would have established a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state.
IMPORTANT NOTE: SEN. TESTOR GAVE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TO THE DAILY BEAST IN REGARDS TO THE CURRENT (2017-2018) RECIPROCITY BILL:
“I’d be inclined to support it, but I’ve got to look at it,” Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) told The Daily Beast on the day it passed the crucial House committee. “I think it makes things a lot more simpler [sic] for folks, but, like I said, I haven’t studied the bill. Haven’t really done my due diligence on it.” IT IS FAR FROM CLEAR THAT SEN. TESTOR STILL SUPPORTS CCW RECIPROCITY OR THE CURRENT BILL.
“I’d be inclined to support it, but I’ve got to look at it,” Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) told The Daily Beast on the day it passed the crucial House committee. “I think it makes things a lot more simpler [sic] for folks, but, like I said, I haven’t studied the bill. Haven’t really done my due diligence on it.” IT IS FAR FROM CLEAR THAT SEN. TESTOR STILL SUPPORTS CCW RECIPROCITY OR THE CURRENT BILL.
Veterans registering unlicensed full auto guns from abroad - TESTER CO-SPONSORED BILL
Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act - would have provided another 90 day amnesty period for such firearms that entered the US prior to October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the Armed Forces stationed outside the continental United States.
Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC - TESTER CO-SPONSORED BILL
Would have denied the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms and repealed the semi-auto ban, registration requirement and trigger lock requirement.
The Bad
Background Checks on private transfers: TESTER VOTED YES
Manchin amendment #2908 Note: The measure was developed with input from, and the support of the Second Amendment Foundation/Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (SAF/CCRKBA). NRA, GOA, and most, if not all, other gun rights groups opposed it.
"Terror Watch List" Gun Ban: TESTER VOTED YES
Feinstein amendment #2910: Grants the Attorney General unconstitutional authority and absolute discretion to infringe and deny 2nd Amendment Rights to any individual on the terrorist watch list or suspected of being a terrorist without due process– even if you are accidentally placed on the terrorist watch list, which happened to Senator Ted Kennedy. THIS MEASURE WAS SO BAD THAT THE ACLU OPPOSED IT!
Concealed Carry in Washington DC: TESTER VOTED NO
Paul amendment #2915: Would have restored 2nd Amendment Rights in Washington DC to allow for concealed carry permits and allowed active duty personnel to carry a concealed firearm at Department of Defense facilities. Following the failure of the measure, the DC court of Appeals found that DC's restrictive CCW policy violated the 2nd Amendment and DC chose to comply rather than appeal to SCOTUS. Thus, it is clear, in this case, that Tester voted against 2nd Amendment rights.
Clarified the definition of "mentally incompetent" to prevent ongoing abuse: TESTER VOTED NO
Grassley amendment #2914: Increases the threshold for adjudicated mentally incompetent to ensure doctors don’t infringe on 2nd Amendment Rights, outlines specific guidelines on what mental health care records can be given to NICS. Would have prevented the seizure of firearms from people who merely asked for assistance in handling their finances.
SCOTUS Justice Neil Gorsuch - TESTER VOTED AGAINST CONFIRMATION
Their is no question that Justice Gorsuch was essential to the cause of gun rights.
So, those are the facts. It seems that, like many formally solid pro-gun Democrats, Sen. Tester has begun to weaken his stance on gun rights. I leave it to you to decide if he can be trusted on gun rights.
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