The US Senate has failed to pass new gun ownership restrictions in a key vote held on 20 June. A bipartisan group of senators voted down the legislation after failing to reach an agreement over how much time it would take for background checks and other measures to be put into place. The killings resulted in outrage and renewed the debate on gun control, prompting both parties to put forward competing amendments. “What am I going to tell 49 grieving families?” 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.
The US Senate has failed to pass new gun ownership restrictions in a key vote held on 20 June. A bipartisan group of senators voted down the legislation after failing to reach an agreement over how much time it would take for background checks and other measures to be put into place. 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.