WASHINGTON, June 9 (Reuters) – Democratic and Republican negotiators in the U.S. Senate said they could not reach an agreement Thursday on a bipartisan response to the recent U.S. mass shootings, but vowed to continue their efforts.
A group of lawmakers led by Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Republican Sen. John Cornyn are trying to work out a plan that would strengthen school security, address gaps in the U.S. mental health system, and keep guns away from criminals and individuals considered a danger to the school. the public or themselves.
Lawmakers hoped to reach an agreement by the end of the week, but told reporters that the outcome seemed “less likely” as they planned a new round of virtual talks on Friday.
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“We’re not there yet,” Cornyn told reporters after leaving talks with Murphy, Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
“I’m still optimistic we’ll have a bill. But it’s a complex issue and it’s a challenge,” he said. “We have reduced the problems considerably.” He gave no details.
The effort follows recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York; Uvalde, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma and other places. Read more
Murphy told reporters his goal was to pass legislation that could curb the tide of gunfire in the United States before the Senate ends the July 4 holiday at the end of the month.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to present any agreement for a quick vote.
“That’s very difficult,” Murphy said. “There’s a real sincerity on behalf of everyone in the room to do it. But there’s also a sincerity to do it right.”
Democrats, including President Joe Biden, have called for new limits on gun ownership, including a ban on semi-automatic, assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines, and to raise the minimum age for buying them. weapons 18 to 21 years.
The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on Wednesday voted heavily along party lines to approve a comprehensive arms control package.
But this legislation has no chance of clarifying the Senate, which is divided equally between Democrats and Republicans. As a party, Republicans are constantly defending gun ownership rights under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“The Second Amendment and a solid public policy are not mutually exclusive here. And that’s the needle we’re trying to thread,” Cornyn said in a speech.
Senators are considering relatively modest changes that could attract the 60 votes needed for approval in the 100-seat chamber.
They could strengthen the background checks of people between the ages of 18 and 21 by encouraging states to make child records available to national databases, notify local police of failed background checks, and provide authorities more time to verify the records of a gun buyer when necessary.
Cornyn said the legislation could also expand community-based mental health facilities to address underlying issues that could contribute to armed violence.
Lawmakers are also considering encouraging “red flag” state laws to prevent guns from reaching annoying people. They have addressed the question of how to potentially provide billions of dollars in funding without increasing the federal deficit.
Other proposals would improve the physical security of schools, including more security guards on campus.
Cornyn said the group is also considering a proposal to address so-called straw gun purchases by individuals representing buyers who cannot pass background checks.
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Report by David Morgan; additional report by Katharine Jackson; edited by Ross Colvin, Cynthia Osterman and Jonathan Oatis
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