Missouri Backs Off Showdown Over Federal Gun Laws

The bill ultimately was doomed by Republican leaders in the state Senate, who cited concerns that it could have hindered law enforcement and infringed on free-speech rights.

The legislation sought to nullify any federal policies that "infringe on the people's right to keep and bear arms." It also allowed state misdemeanor charges against federal authorities who attempt to enforce those laws or anyone who published the identity of a gun owner.

Senators voted 22-12 for the veto override Wednesday night, falling a single vote shy of the required two-thirds majority. The top two Republican Senate leaders both voted to sustain Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon's veto.