"Senate Backs Allowing Guns in National Parks"

"The Senate on Tuesday backed an amendment that would allow people to carry loaded guns in national parks and wildlife refuges.

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., sponsored the measure, which ... allows firearms in parks and wildlife refuges, as long as they are allowed by federal, state and local law. ...

Twenty-seven Democrats joined 39 Republicans and one independent in supporting the amendment, which was attached to a bill imposing restrictions on credit card companies. The amendment was approved 67-29.

Groups supporting gun control, park rangers and retirees opposed the amendment, which they said went further than a Bush administration policy that briefly allowed loaded handguns in national parks and refuges."

Matthew Daly reports for the Associated Press May 12, 2009.