The U.S Senate closes in on bipartisan gun safety deal

After nine days of negotiating text for their framework, lawmakers and aides are on track for a final passage vote as soon as this week.

This means that by the end of the week, a floor vote could be underway

It’s a significant step forward for the gun safety package, which would amount to Congress’ most significant response to mass shootings in nearly 30 years.

THIS COMES as the Senate hearing into the Uvalde mass shooting has begun… with one official accusing the commanding officer of putting the lives of his staff above the children’s.

The Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Steve McCraw says the police response was an ‘abject failure’, as the shooter took the lives of 19 children and two teachers on that fateful day.

A team of police officers waited one hour and 14 minutes before attempting to rescue those trapped inside the school.

Earlier this week, the first images of armed police entering the Robb Elementary School were released, showing authorities waiting in the corridor with weapons and shields.

The Public Safety chief says the commanding officer was waiting for these rifles, shields and SWAT support before entering the school, but the officers could have entered after just three minutes.

Earlier in June, this apparent on-scene commander told officials he did not consider himself to be in charge, and says he did not order police to hold back.

Many parents and witnesses have expressed deep anger and frustration at how authorities responded to the active shooter situation.

McCraw says the commanding officer was waiting for resources he never needed.