WASHINGTON – The Senate passed legislation Monday night to ban plastic firearms after reports that technology now allows people with 3D printers to manufacture plastic guns.
The possession, use or manufacturing of weapons that cannot be recognized by a metal detector or X-ray machines were banned.
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"Weapons like this pose a threat to our security and personal safety," said Florida Sen. Bill Nelson. "We've got to keep them off our streets and out the hands of those who would do us harm."
The measure was passed by the House last week and now goes to the president for his signature.
"I supported reauthorizing the existing common sense law banning undetectable firearms, which are intended to avoid metal detectors and jeopardize public safety," said Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. "I am glad gun control groups failed in their attempts to use this vote as an opportunity to further regulate the lawful ownership of firearms, a right protected by the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution."
An existing prohibition on such weapons was set to expire at midnight Monday, but the new one would keep the ban on plastic weapons for at least 10 more years.
Law enforcement has called for the reauthorization of what is known as the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988.
"I continue to believe that the answer to gun-related violence is vigorous enforcement of existing criminal laws and enhanced efforts to address mental health problems," Rubio said. "This is not the first time we've seen gun control advocates seize any opportunity to advance federal regulations, but I will continue to fight for the rights of law-abiding Americans to bear arms."