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A preliminary bipartisan agreement to tighten federal gun laws picked up speed in the Senate on Tuesday after minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Provided public support for the framework negotiated by negotiators this week.
McConnell’s support provided further evidence that the current round of gun bill talks, which began after last month’s deadly shooting at a Texas elementary school, may have exactly what previous attempts at a two-party compromise have failed – enough support from the Republican Party. to overcome abuse.
Ten Republicans, led by Senators John Cornin (Texas) and Tom Tillis (North Carolina), signed the framework released Sunday – giving the preliminary deal the bare minimum of Republican support needed to meet the 60-vote threshold for a filibuster by accepting all 50 members of the Democratic faction ultimately support the legislation. The support of McConnell (China) suggests that a larger group of perhaps a dozen more Republicans is in the game for legislation that would represent the most significant new federal arms restrictions since the mid-1990s.
“I am pleased with the framework, and if the legislation ultimately reflects what the framework shows, I will support it,” McConnell told reporters on Thursday.
Senator Lisa Markowski (R-Alaska), a moderate who often supports bipartisan deals but also seeks re-election this year to a historic state that supports gun rights, also signaled incredible support on Tuesday. Murkowski described the framework as “quite reasonable” and said he was “encouraged” by Tuesday’s progress. But like other Republicans, she said she would review the text of the bill before making a final decision.
It was unclear on Tuesday when the text would be finalized, although key Senate players signaled optimism that it could be done by the end of the week – a Senate vote next week, just before lawmakers leave Washington for the July 4 holiday. . The law will then move to the House of Representatives, where President Nancy Pelosi (D-California) has indicated it will be passed.
“We want to accept it before the break and we will do our best,” said Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (DN.Y.).
Senator Chris Murphy (Connecticut), who co-chaired the Democrats with Senator Kirsten Cinema (Arizona), said that until the drafting process is complete, “the hard work is done” and that the framework agreement is not at risk of unraveling. “I’m sure we can get there soon,” he said.
But there were signs on Capitol Hill Tuesday that supporters of the deal were worried about a backlash. Cornin went to the Senate hall before party lunch to clarify a clause in the framework deal that has raised concerns among staunch conservatives – a new federal program that will provide grants to allow states to enforce “red flag laws.” which allow the authorities to seize weapons from people determined to pose a potential threat of violence.
The grant program, Cornin said, will not seek to force or even encourage countries that do not currently have red flag laws to adopt them. In fact, he said, the money could be used for other programs related to mental health crisis interventions that have no firearms component, while states that use red flag law enforcement tools will be subject to “Full set of due process and protection of the Rights Act.”
“I do not support any prescriptive mandates or national mandates at all,” Cornin said.
Over lunch, Cornin presented data from a survey of gun owners that showed broad support for the provisions of the deal, including helping states enforce red flag laws, making a larger group of perpetrators of domestic violence non-compliant. the conditions for the purchase of weapons, and including juvenile justice and mental health records when inspecting the buyer of weapons for the first time.
The deal on Sunday released those restrictions on weapons with funding for mental health and school security, which could be $ 10 billion or more.
Cornin also highlighted restrictions on weapons not included in the deal – such as raising the minimum age for rifle purchases, banning high-capacity munitions stores and enforcing safe storage requirements for gun owners – according to a copy of the presentation , reviewed by The Washington Post.
A discussion focused heavily on red flag laws ensued, those in attendance said, and several Republicans left the hall, apparently reluctant to embrace the deal – especially in an election year when Republican support for gun restrictions could stifle conservative turnout. .
“I think we’re more interested in the red wave than the red flags, quite honestly, as Republicans,” said Sen. Kevin Kramer (RN.D.) as he left lunch.
A few minutes later, however, McConnell gave a flawless push to the bipartisan framework, calling it a “step forward” that would “demonstrate to the American people that we can unite, which we did from time to time for things like infrastructure and postal reform.” to make progress for the country. “
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