President Joe Biden signed on Saturday the most significant arms control bill in three decades, a day after the House of Representatives approved bipartisan arms legislation, which was approved by the Senate late Thursday and sent to Mr. Biden for signature.
The law on bipartisan safer communities passed the lower house by 234-193 votes. The bill tightens checks on gun buyers at the age of 21, provides billions in mental health services and closes a so-called “boyfriend door” to prevent convicted domestic abusers from buying firearms for five years. In addition, the plan provides $ 750 million in grants to encourage countries to launch crisis intervention programs, clarifies the definition of a federal-licensed firearms dealer, and creates penalties for straw purchases and arms trafficking.
On Saturday, before signing the bill, Mr Biden said he was present at the adoption of previous weapons legislation three decades ago and stressed the importance of the legislation.
“This bill doesn’t do everything I want, but it does include actions I longed for, which I save lives,” Mr Biden said.
Mr Biden also said he would host an event at the White House on July 11, which would include members of Congress who voted in favor of the bill and victims of gun violence who begged him to take action.
The passage of the legislation by both chambers puts an end to 30 years of Congress’ inaction on changes to federal firearms laws, despite rising gun violence and mass shootings across the country. The recent shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uwalde, Texas, have killed a total of 31 people, prompting a bipartisan group of senators led by Democrat Chris Murphy of Connecticut and John Cornin of Texas to find a consensus on tougher gun laws.
The Senate passed the bill 65-33 late Thursday night, with 15 Republicans voting in favor. All Democrat senators voted in favor of the bill.
The House of Representatives began a procedural vote on the bill Friday morning, passing it hours later before lawmakers were expected to leave Washington for a two-week break. Republican leaders in the House of Representatives say the legislation is part of efforts to undermine the rights of the Second Amendment by law-abiding Americans.
Mr Biden said he supported the law, calling on the House to act swiftly on Thursday.
“Tonight, after 28 years of inaction, bipartisan members of Congress have come together to heed the call of families across the country and pass legislation to tackle the scourge of gun violence in our communities,” Mr Biden said at the reception. of the Senate bill on Thursday. “The families in Uwalde and Buffalo – and too many tragic shootings before – demanded action. And tonight we acted. This bipartisan legislation will help protect Americans. Children in schools and communities will be safer because of it. The House of Representatives must immediately vote on this bipartisan bill and send it to my bureau. “
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