Earlier on March 11, 2021, the U.S. Housed passed universal background check bill H.R. 8 on a 227 to 203 vote.
While partisan in nature, the bill received 8 “Yea” votes from Republicans.
The National Association for Gun Rights was one of the first organizations to point out this Republican treachery. In a Facebook post it published on March 11, 2021, NAGR listed off the 8 Republicans who sided with anti-Second Amendment Democrats:
“BREAKING: Biden-Pelosi gun control bill (HR 8) passes with the help of 8 anti-gun Republicans. Here they are:
Vern Buchanan (Fla.) 202-225-5015
Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) 202-225-4276
Maria Salazar (Fla.) 202-225-3931
Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.) 202-225-7896
Chris Smith (N.J.) 202-225-3765
Fred Upton (Mich.) 202-225-3761
Carlos Gimenez (Fla.) 202-225-2278
Adam Kinzinger (Ill.) 202-225-3635
If you live in one of their districts please give them a call and let them know how you feel about their vote. #hr8 #2a
>>>Join NAGR today and help STOP HR 8 and all gun control in the Senate. nationalgunrights.org/join/“
One name that stood out was Maria Elvira Salazar. BLP covered Salazar’s squishy comments with regards to issues that America First nationalists hold dearly such as immigration patriotism. This has led many right-wing activists to express skepticism about Salazar’s overall vision. This recent vote further validates grassroots’ suspicions about Salazar, who is not only politically correct, but also a total sell-out on gun control.
In 2022, Republicans in Florida’s 27th district should offer a credible primary challenger to unseat Salazar. Even if this effort turns out to be unsuccessful, it will send a strong message to Salazar that her sketchy voting habits will not be tolerated by the grassroots.
At the very least, the pressure and the public humiliation that comes from a primary challenge could possibly set her straight and keep her from being a turncoat towards America First principles.