CRIME AND GUNS [SEE ALSO HOMELAND SECURITY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT] HIGHLIGHTS  In the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy, XXXX voted against the bipartisan background check compromise bill that expanded the existing background checks system to include firearms purchased at gun shows and over the internet. XXXX supported a weaker gun control alternative bill.  XXXX repeatedly voted against the assault weapons ban and opposed tougher restrictions on gun sales.  In 2005, XXXX voted for a bill to exempt gun companies from liability if their guns were used to commit acts of violence, even if they showed gross neglect that contributed to the violence, and even if they civil lawsuits were by law enforcement officers who were victims of gun violence.  In 2013, XXXX supported an amendment to allow concealed carry permits issued in one state to be valid in all, and in 2009 voted to allow concealed handgun permits to apply across state lines. THE XXXX VOTING RECORD ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN XXXX Voted Against Banning Assault Weapons. In April 2013, XXXX voted against Feinstein, D-Calif., amendment no. 711 that would prohibit the future production, import, sale, transfer or possession of certain firearms considered to be assault weapons and ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds, with exemptions for law enforcement officials. It would exempt certain firearms used for hunting and sporting purposes from the ban. It also would allow law enforcement grant funds be used to buy back semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition clips. The amendment was rejected by a vote of 40-60 (D 38-15; R 1-44; I 1-1). [Vote 101, 4/17/13] XXXX Opposed Extending the Assault Weapons Ban. In 2004, XXXX voted against a 10-year extension of the assault weapons ban, which was set to expire in September 2004. [Vote 24, 3/2/04] XXXX Voted Against Tougher Restrictions on Gun Sales and an Extension of the Assault Weapons Ban. In 2004, XXXX voted against a bill that barred certain civil lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, dealers and importers of firearms and ammunition, mainly those lawsuits aimed at making them liable for gun violence, trade groups also were protected. The bill required the dismissal of pending lawsuits against the gun industry, except for those involving a defect in a weapon or ammunition. The bill also required criminal background checks on all firearm transactions at gun shows where at least 75 guns were sold. Exemptions were provided for dealers selling guns from their homes as well as members-only gun swaps and meets conducted by nonprofit hunting clubs. It provided for a 10-year reauthorization of the assault weapons ban set to expire in September 2004. The legislation increased penalties for violent or drug trafficking crimes in which the perpetrator used or possessed armor-piercing ammunition to a minimum of 15 years imprisonment. If death resulted from the use of such ammunition, a person could be imprisoned up to life or face the death penalty. [Vote 30, 3/2/04] BACKGROUND CHECKS XXXX Voted Against Bipartisan Background Check Compromise. In April 2013, XXXX voted against Manchin, D-W.Va., amendment no. 715 that would expand an existing background check system to include firearms purchased at gun shows and over the Internet. It would allow gun show sales to proceed if a background 48