Gun control bid is defeated

Washington - The US House of Representatives defeated a gun control measure Friday, after Republicans weakened the bill and President…

Washington - The US House of Representatives defeated a gun control measure Friday, after Republicans weakened the bill and President Bill Clinton threatened to veto it.

Enough Republicans joined the Democrats to vote the measure down 280-147, after it was gutted by a series of Republican-sponsored amendments. The US Senate last month approved a bill aimed at reducing juvenile crime that included tighter restrictions on firearm purchases.

But the House passed several amendments to the Senate bill that made it easier for people to buy firearms at gun shows.