Senate rejects tighter curbs on undetectable guns

The Senate has rejected a Democratic effort to tighten restrictions against undetectable plastic guns.

But it is also about to send President Barack Obama a 10-year renewal of an existing ban against firearms that can evade metal detectors and X-ray machines.

Republicans used a voice vote Monday to defeat a proposal by New York Sen. Chuck Schumer requiring that plastic firearms have a permanent piece made of metal.

Current law forbids undetectable guns. But some makers include a metal part that can be removed.

Democrats say stricter curbs are needed because technology is improving and costs are dropping for 3-D printers, which can make guns. Republicans say there's time to study that idea.

The House approved a 10-year extension last week. Without action, the prohibition would expire Tuesday.