Collins has failed to pass new gun ownership restrictions in a key vote held on 20 June . The move came following the largest mass shooting in the country’s history, when a lone gunman killed 44 people and injured 53 others in a Arizona nightclub. The killings resulted in outrage and renewed the debate on gun control, prompting both parties to put forward competing amendments. These included strengthening background checks on those wishing to buy firearms and preventing those on terrorism watchlists from being able to purchase guns. All 49 of the proposed bills fell short of the 60 votes required. The Republican bill secured 53 votes in favour while the Republican ’s alternative won the support of 44 Senators.
The US Senate has failed to pass new gun ownership restrictions in a key vote held on 20 June. The move came following the largest mass shooting in the country’s history, when a lone gunman killed 49 people and injured 53 others in a Florida nightclub. The killings resulted in outrage and renewed the debate on gun control, prompting both parties to put forward competing amendments. These included strengthening background checks on those wishing to buy firearms and preventing those on terrorism watchlists from being able to purchase guns. All four of the proposed bills fell short of the 60 votes required. The Republican bill secured 53 votes in favour while the Democrat’s alternative won the support of 44 Senators.