In the United States, the way for a new law to protect against gun violence could be cleared this week. “I believe that this week we will pass legislation that will be the most significant gun violence law that Congress has passed in the last 30 years. This is a breakthrough. And more importantly, it’s a bipartisan breakthrough.” , said Sen. Chris Murphy, the leading Democrat in the bipartisan negotiations on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would bring a bill to the House of Representatives “as soon as possible” to serve as a bill for the Senate. “This bipartisan gun safety legislation is a step forward and will save lives. While it doesn’t cover everything we want, this legislation is urgently needed,” he said. Schumer’s Republican counterpart, Mitch McConnell, pledged his support, calling the bill “a sensible package.”
Attempts to tighten gun laws in the United States have repeatedly failed in the past because of the Republicans in Congress. The Democrats have enough votes to pass the bill in the House of Representatives. With the Senate splitting into 50-seat Democrats and Republicans each, a new gun bill will need the support of at least 10 Republicans to pass.
In mid-June, a bipartisan group in the US Senate agreed on proposals for better protection against gun violence. This includes, among other things, a more intensive screening of potential gun buyers under the age of 21. The ban on assault rifles previously called for by US President Joe Biden and other Democrats is not planned.
Thousands of people across the United States have protested for tougher gun laws since the worst school shooting in nearly a decade in Uvalde in May. At least 19 children and two teachers were killed on May 24 at the Texas elementary school.