McConnell Signals Support for Bipartisan Gun Laws
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McConnell’s support raises the potential of the legislation succeeding.
In the last several weeks, United States legislators have been spurred to action by the epidemic of mass shooting events around the country, particularly the shooting that occurred at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. In previous years, attempts at increased gun control have largely been blocked by GOP members of Congress and the Senate, but it seems this time, an agreement may actually be reached.
Yesterday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel announced his support for the incoming gun control bill that recently passed Congress. “I’m comfortable with the framework and if the legislation ends up reflecting what the framework indicates, I’ll be supportive,” he told reporters.
If McConnell remains true to his word, and several of his Republican compatriots join him, the bill could have sufficient votes to pass the Senate and defeat a potential filibuster.
“Support for the provisions of the framework is off the charts, overwhelming,” McConnell told reporters after the meeting. “I think if this framework becomes the actual piece of legislation, it’s a step forward, a step forward on a bipartisan basis, and further demonstrates to the American people that we can come together, which we have done from time to time on things like infrastructure and postal reform, to make progress for the county.”
Negotiators in the bipartisan group announced that 10 Republicans support the framework for a gun safety bill – the magic number in a split 50-50 Senate. https://t.co/6rh0C4SigZ
— U.S. News & World Report (@usnews) June 15, 2022
The new bill features various provisions to make it more difficult for those with confirmed criminal histories or mental health issues to obtain firearms. Additionally, it adds a “red flag” law that would allow family members or police officers to petition courts to disallow particular risky individuals from owning firearms. While 19 states have such laws already, the new bill would introduce it on a national level.
