Chip Somodevilla / Getty
Chip Somodevilla / Getty
A bipartisan group of Senate negotiators say they have reached an agreement on a package of gun-related and safety measures with a limited focus on preventing future shootings similar to incident in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were killed in their school.
The proposal, which has not yet been written into legislation, includes money to encourage states to pass and implement so-called “red flag” laws to remove guns from potentially dangerous people, money for safety. schools and mental health resources, expanding background checks for gun purchases to 18- to 21-year-olds, and penalties for illegal straw purchases to convicted felons.
The deal has the backing of at least 20 senators, who have worked closely over the past several weeks to find common ground that could pass the closely divided Senate. The group is comprised of 10 Republicans, which means a final bill is likely to garner the 60 votes needed to pass a vote.
Negotiators called it an “absurd” proposal meant to reduce the risk of violence across the country.
“Our plan increases needed mental health resources, improves school safety and support for students, and helps ensure dangerous criminals and those on trial are convicted of crimes.” mentally ill cannot buy weapons,” the group said in a statement. “Most importantly, our plan saves lives while also protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans.”
Aides say it can take weeks to go through the legal and technical process to turn a preliminary agreement into a final bill. Unexpected votes are imminent on the deal. Senators have been optimistic that any bipartisan agreement will eventually pass the Senate, but the final fate of the bill is not entirely clear. President Biden has largely let the senators come to an agreement on their own without the involvement of the White House, and members of the House are largely reluctant to weigh in on the content of the negotiations until a framework is established. Such suffering is given.
President Biden expressed support for the deal in a statement. “Obviously, it doesn’t do everything that I think is necessary, but it does reflect important steps in the right direction and will be the most important gun safety legislation passed by Congress in decades.” Biden said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) pledged to put a bill on the floor as soon as possible after the law is enacted. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a statement praising the negotiators but did not pledge to support a final bill.
