For the first time in nearly 30 years, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the United States has reached a consensus on a major firearms control law. This paved the way for a vote in the Senate by the end of the week.
The 70-page bill was released on Tuesday. This includes imposing restrictions on young people’s past verification when purchasing weapons, and further verification and temporary seizure of weapons from others or persons considered a danger to oneself.
The proposal overcomes the initial procedural hurdle with a 74-34 vote in the Senate. With Democrats all (47), 14 Republicans and two independent senators supported the bill.
Leading Democrat Senator Chris Murphy told the Senate, “I think the legislation we’re going to pass this week will be the most important part of the anti-gun violence law in Congress in 30 years.” This is a big step forward. More importantly, it is a bipartisan development. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has
promised to move forward as soon as possible.
The proposal to move to Senate for approval is relatively flexible. However, there has been some progress in the bitter controversy over the Firearms Control Act.
There has been little progress in gun control legislation in the United States, despite years of mass killings and the loss of many lives, including children. The recent tightening of the law comes after 19 children and two teachers were shot dead at a primary school in Texas.