Washington • Sen. Mike Lee of Utah cited free speech concerns in objecting Tuesday to legislation that would prohibit publishing blueprints to make 3D plastic guns.
Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., attempted to pass a bill Tuesday by unanimous consent – meaning the measure would be approved unless any senator disagreed – that would ban anyone from posting online plans to use a 3D plastic printer to build a working firearm.
The move came as a deadline approached that night that would overturn an Obama-era ban on publishing the 3D gun plans. Plastic guns are undetectable by metal detectors at secure buildings and airports.