U.S. Senate Okays Landmark $13-B Gun Violence Bill

On Thursday, June 23, 2022, the Senate easily passed a bipartisan gun violence package that was unfathomable a month earlier, paving the way for final approval of what will be Congress' most comprehensive reaction in decades to the country's string of horrific mass shootings, Alan Fram reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Photo Insert: The majority of the GOP and other right-wing movements have propagated the lie that stricter gun control laws will take away the right of Americans to own guns.

Following the shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, last month, 15 Republicans joined the Democratic Party in calling for gun control after years of fruitless Democratic efforts.

After weeks of discussions behind closed doors, senators finally reached an agreement that represents a small but significant step toward reducing the violence that has become so frequent that it no longer surprises the country.

The $13 billion package would toughen background checks for children purchasing firearms, prevent more domestic violence offenders from possessing firearms, and assist states in enacting red flag legislation that make it simpler for law enforcement to seize weapons from dangerous individuals.

Additionally, local initiatives for violence prevention, mental health, and school safety would be funded.

“Families in Uvalde and Buffalo, and too many tragic shootings before, have demanded action. And tonight, we acted,” stated President Joe Biden following adoption. “Kids in schools and communities will be safer because of it,” he added, urging the House to send it to him right away.

The election-year legislation fell far short of the more stringent gun control measures Democrats have long sought and Republicans have consistently blocked. These measures include outright bans on the assault-style rifles and large-capacity ammunition magazines used in the killings in Buffalo and Uvalde.

However, the agreement allowed leaders of both parties to claim victory, show people that they can compromise and make government function, and still allow each side to appeal to its core followers.

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