The group that accepted the framework included 10 Republicans, nine Democrats and an independent who caucus with the Democrats.
The United States has the highest rate of gun deaths among the world’s richest nations. But it is a country where many appreciate gun rights, and the Second Amendment to its constitution protects the right to “own and carry weapons.”
Parkland survivor and activist David Hogg speaking during a rally in Washington. Credit: AP
With 10 Republicans expressing their support, that would be enough to overcome the Senate’s “filibuster” rule, which requires 60 of the 100 senators to agree to move forward with most legislation. Republicans who oppose the plan are expected to pose procedural hurdles in trying to block it.
Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell failed to accept the framework.
“I am pleased that Senators Cornyn and Murphy continue to move forward in their discussions,” McConnell said in a statement, adding that he hoped the talks would move forward on “key issues such as mental health and school safety.” that “respect the Second Amendment.”
Biden congratulated the deal on Sunday.
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“It doesn’t do everything I think it should, but it reflects important steps in the right direction and would be the most important arms security legislation that has been passed in Congress in decades,” Biden said in a statement. “With bipartisan support, there are no excuses for the delay, and no reason not to go through the Senate and the House quickly.”
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week expressed confidence in Senate negotiators despite her desire for stricter gun restrictions.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he wanted to move a bill quickly once the legislative details are resolved.
The agreement, drawn up after weeks of intense negotiations, would provide federal funding to encourage states to pass “red flag” laws that keep guns out of the hands of those the courts consider a significant danger to themselves. or for others.
Congress would provide more funding to expand mental health programs, including those developed in schools, and crack down on those who evade gun license requirements or buy weapons illegally on behalf of others, transactions known as to “straw purchases.”
The plan would also require new government controls on under-21s trying to buy weapons so that juvenile mental health records can be reviewed, along with controls with state and local law enforcement agencies.
“We are grateful to the bipartisan group of senators who worked on this commitment. Thank you for finding common ground that saves lives,” said David Hogg, a survivor of a 2018 Florida high school shooting and co-founder of the group that organized Saturday rallies.
Hogg added that even more is needed, including requiring background checks for every gun purchase across the country, saying the bill “should be the beginning and not the end of the work of Congress.”
Reuters
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