The scariest thing about the Orlando massacre? It probably won’t change US gun laws at all

The latest political gun battle in the US looks as though it’ll end the usual way, with no meaningful change in the nation’s gun laws, even in the wake of unprecedented bloodshed.

Passage of strong legislation that would make it tougher for people on federal terrorist watch lists to buy guns is a long shot. Senate votes are anticipated early next week, and so far, Democrats and Republicans are engaged in their usual partisan squabbling with no compromise in sight.

It’s a fresh signal that once again, despite the horror of 49 people shot dead early Sunday by a gunman in Orlando, Florida, in the worst mass shooting in modern US history, the nation remains sharply divided over gun rights.

Though presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump indicated this week that he’s willing to look at some changes, few GOP lawmakers are eager to do much, if any, tinkering with the laws. Vulnerable senators in swing states are trying to be careful not to offend gun owners and have been reluctant to side with Democrats.

Chances are there will be Senate votes Monday on a Democratic watch list plan and a Republican plan. Neither is likely to get enough support to survive, but everyone will be able to tell constituents they really, really tried.

There’s no immediate hope of anything more sweeping, such as a revival of the assault weapons ban that expired a dozen years ago.

Gun control advocates had hoped the political mood would soften enough to do more. In the days since the gunman killed 49 people at an Orlando nightclub Sunday, they’ve engaged in an almost unprecedented congressional effort to effect change.