Cruz asked Feinstein whether she would “deem it consistent with the Bill of Rights” if Congress did the same thing to the First Amendment that she contemplates with the Second Amendment. Her assault weapons bill bans certain weapons, so Cruz asked whether Congress could ban certain books.
The Stanford-educated Feinstein replied, “I am not a sixth-grader,” and said her bill specifically exempts 2,271 weapons. “Is this not enough for the people of the United States?” she asked? “Do they need a bazooka?”
Undeterred, Cruz persisted with his rhetorical question. Texas GOP colleague John Cornyn attempted to help him out. But Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy at that point inserted himself in Feinstein’s defense, suggesting that Texas education boards banned books. In the meantime, Feinstein, with an assist from fellow Dems, came up with the rebuttal that the First Amendment indeed does not permit child pornography. Feinstein said all constitutional rights must meet certain tests.
Cruz took offense at the idea that Texans don’t read. Feinstein, who just won a civility award, was clearly offended by Cruz’s tone and method. Just two months into his term, Cruz seems to throw civility out the window. See the entire exchange here:
