Supporters of the measure were cursing the Republican leadership for abandoning a bill they had once supported. Only days before the vote, Republican leaders had sent a letter to their colleagues urging them to support the measure. But when the roll was called, three of the five top Republicans voted for an amendment that stripped the bill of most of its counterterrorism provisions. Many of their rank and file followed suit. The National Rifle Association credits its concerted lobbying campaign.
Jewish activists agree.
The gun lobby also fought the measure for its expansion of law enforcement's ability to conduct wiretaps and a provision that would allow explosives to be traced. They tried but were overwhelmed. By the time the substitute amendment came up for a vote, the measure was all but dead. For all that the bill does not include, there is at least one terrorism provision that garnered the support of the Jewish community. Victims of state-sponsored terrorism would for the first time be allowed to sue foreign governments for damages.