The Senate by a vote of more than 2-to-1 approved legislation yesterday shielding gun makers, including Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger & Co. from lawsuits after Republicans succeeded in blocking most Democratic amendments to the measure. The legislation protects manufacturers and dealers from negligence lawsuits the industry says could bankrupt weapon makers. Cities such as New York and Los Angeles have sought billions of dollars in damages in suits that allege the... (GunPolicy.org)