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Historic agreement on U.S. gun laws
United States senators have made progress in forming new legislation on gun safety
The suggested framework would include more thorough background checks for buyers under the age of 21 and a crackdown on illegal gun purchases.
10 republicans are in support of the proposal, which makes it more likely for it to be voted into law.
U.S. President Joe Biden says more needs to be done for gun safety but these are “steps in the right direction”.
“Obviously, it does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction, and would be the most significant gun safety legislation to pass Congress in decades”
Joe Biden- U.S. President
Meanwhile, thousands of protestors took to the streets across the U.S. on Saturday in a push for more stringent gun laws.
“Its a common sense, bipartisan proposal to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country…Families are scared, and it is our duty to come together and get something done that will help restore their sense of safety and security in their communities.”
The Senate group statement
The plans include more investment into mental health services and school safety resources, as well as domestic violence convictions and restraining orders for some people purchasing firearms.
Photo Credit: Photograph: REX/Shutterstock
The president is pushing for more reforms such as banning assault rifles which are used in a number of mass shootings or increasing the age at which they can be purchased.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hopes the bill will move quickly to a Senate vote once details are confirmed.
Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel, a Republican, highlighted the “value of dialogue and cooperation” in making “significant headway on key issues like mental health and school safety”.