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McConnell Indicates Approval for Bipartisan Gun Legislation
During the recent weeks, lawmakers in the United States have been prompted to take action in response to the surge of mass shooting incidents across the nation, especially the tragic event at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Previous efforts to enhance gun regulation have mostly been thwarted by Republican members of Congress and the Senate in the past. However, this time, there seems to be a potential for an agreement to be reached.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel, yesterday, declared his endorsement for the proposed gun control legislation that was recently approved by Congress. In a statement to the press, he said, “I’m content with the outline and if the bill ultimately reflects the content of the outline, I will give my support.”
If McConnel remains true to his statement, and a few of his GOP colleagues align with him, the bill might garner adequate votes to clear the Senate and overcome any potential filibuster.
“The level of backing for the aspects of the outline is extremely high,” remarked McConnell to the press post the meeting. “I believe that if this outline materializes into the actual legislation, it marks a positive step, a bipartisan advancement, reinforcing the message to the public that we can unite, as we have occasionally for issues like infrastructure and postal structuring, to drive progress for the nation.”
Members in the bipartisan panel have revealed that 10 Republicans are in favor of the outline for a gun safety bill – a critical number in a divided 50-50 Senate. https://t.co/6rh0C4SigZ
— U.S. News & World Report (@usnews) June 15, 2022
The new legislation incorporates several measures to make it challenging for individuals with confirmed criminal records or mental health disorders to acquire firearms. Additionally, it introduces a “red flag” regulation that empowers family members or law enforcement officers to appeal to courts to prevent specific high-risk individuals from possessing firearms. While 19 states currently enforce such laws, the new bill aims to implement it at a national scale.