The Senate voted late Thursday evening to pass its bipartisan Gun safety legislation with a tally of 65-33. The “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” aims to keep firearms out of the possession of dangerous individuals through various measures including enhanced background checks, promoting “red flag laws” and tackling gun trafficking.
The legislation was introduced by a bipartisan group of 20 U.S. Senators; 10 Republicans, and 10 Democrats, and was was pushed following a string of mass shootings across the country, including Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York. The group was led by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and John Cornyn (R-TX).
In a statement President Biden said “Tonight, after 28 years of inaction, bipartisan members of Congress came together to heed the call of families across the country and passed legislation to address the scourge of gun violence in our communities. Families in Uvalde and Buffalo – and too many tragic shootings before – have demanded action. And tonight, we acted. This bipartisan legislation will help protect Americans. Kids in schools and communities will be safer because of it. The House of Representatives should promptly vote on this bipartisan bill and send it to my desk.”
The legislation was introduced on the same day the Supreme Court ruled against a New York law that levied strict regulations on carrying concealed weapons outside of one’s home. The ruling and the bill being passed on the same day represent the stark differences between the Democrat controlled Congress and the Conservative Supreme Court.
In a statement from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wrote “On behalf of the House, we applaud the Senate for passing its gun violence prevention package on a strong bipartisan vote. First thing tomorrow morning, the Rules Committee will meet to advance this life-saving legislation to the Floor. When the Rules Committee finishes its business, we will head immediately to the Floor. And we will send the bill to President Biden for his signature, with gratitude for his leadership.”
The legislation represents one of the most in depth and and significant gun laws since the expired Assault Weapons ban of 1994. 15 Republicans, including Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), voted to pass the legislation. The bill now goes to the House for a vote.