This vote was on an amendment by John Thune, R-S.D., that would allow people with a valid permit in their home state to carry concealed firearms in any other state as long as that state does not prohibit residents from carrying concealed firearms whatsoever (Illinois and Wisconsin are the only ones).  The amendment was offered to the bill that authorizes programs at the Defense Department in fiscal 2010.

“My amendment does not create a national concealed carry permit system or standard. My amendment does not allow individuals to conceal and carry within States that do not allow their own citizens to do so. My amendment does not allow citizens to circumvent their home State’s concealed carry permit laws,” Thune said. “Law-abiding individuals have the right to self-defense, especially because the Supreme Court has consistently found that police have no constitutional obligation to protect individuals from other individuals.”

Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said it is “absurd” to be considering Thune’s amendment.

“We know nothing about the impact this amendment is actually going to have across America. How many Senators from the 36 States that already have laws governing concealed carry have had a chance to talk to their State law enforcement officials about this amendment and what it means?” Durbin said.  “Let’s be clear about the effect of this amendment. There are 36 States with laws governing who can carry concealed weapons, including which out-of-State permits that State will accept, if any. The States already have laws. Under the Thune amendment, those laws can be ignored. So if the Thune amendment becomes law, people who are currently prohibited from carrying concealed guns in those 36 States are free to do so.”

By a vote of 58-39, the amendment was rejected.  Though more voted yes than no, this particular vote required 60 in order for the amendment to be considered adopted.  All but two Republicans present voted for the amendment.  Of Democrats present, 20 voted for the amendment and 35 voted against it (including the most progressive members).