Congress to Extend Plastic Gun Ban

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is racing toward renewing a 25-year-old prohibition against firearms that can evade metal detectors and X-ray machines. The ban expires next Monday night. With 3-D printers increasingly able to produce plastic weapons, many Democrats and gun control advocates say the restrictions must be tightened.

The Republican-led House is expected to approve a 10-year extension of the ban on Tuesday. Figuring it's the best they can get, Democrats are expected to back it strongly, though they would rather also require permanent metal components that would make plastic firearms more detectable.

The Democratic-run Senate returns from a two-week Thanksgiving break next Monday. Democrats say they will seek a quick vote on renewing the ban and tightening the restrictions. But many think they will eventually settle for the House's 10-year extension.