Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/senate-blocks-expanded-gun-sale-background-checks Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Story Senate Republicans, backed by rural-state Democrats, blocked legislation to tighten restrictions on the sale of firearms. Attempts to ban assault-style rifles and high capacity magazines also faced certain defeat in a series of showdown votes four months after the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn. The background check measure commanded a majority but fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance.