Polls show a majority of Americans back the ban. (MSM Horseshit Polls maybe, in reality, nobody but the fake libs wants a ban)

But most Senate Republicans and a number of Democrats from rural states oppose it, arguing it would violate the constitutional right to bear arms. Many fear that backing the legislation could cost them re-election.

Mr Obama's call to renew the ban is a centrepiece of his effort to curb US gun violence in the wake of Newtown.

The President thanked the committee for approving the bill, saying in a statement that the weapons "are designed for the battlefield and have no place on our streets, in our schools or threatening our law enforcement officers."

Assistant Senate Minority Leader John Cornyn of Texas, one of eight committee Republicans, opposed the bill, saying: "This is a flawed piece of legislation that jeopardizes the self-defense and constitutional rights of law-abiding Texans, while doing nothing to address the tragic problem of gun violence."

The bill, offered by Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, would ban the sale, import and manufacture of 157 specific types of military-style, semi-automatic assault weapons. It would exempt 2,258 types of rifles and shotguns that are considered "legitimate hunting and sporting" firearms. The prohibition would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

Mrs Feinstein said the exemption should provide the American people with more than enough weapons to defend themselves.

"Do they need a bazooka?" she asked at the hearing. "I don't think so."

Before the full Senate votes on the bill, likely next month, senators are certain to face...REST OF IT