House Sends Bipartisan Gun-Control Bill to Biden’s Desk
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The House passed a bipartisan gun control bill on Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the Senate approved the same legislation.
The bill passed 234 -193, with 14 Republicans voting in favor. The bill will be sent to President Biden for his signature.
The legislation mandates increased background checks for gun buyers under age 21, allowing additional time for the FBI to review mental health and criminal records. The bill also directs funding to states to implement red flag laws, which allow authorities to confiscate firearms from people considered dangerous.
The Senate passed the bill on Thursday evening 65–33, with 15 Republicans voting in favor to allow the bill to break a filibuster, including Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.).
President Biden said in a statement on Thursday that he expected the House to send him the legislation quickly.
“This bipartisan legislation will help protect Americans. Kids in schools and communities will be safer because of it,” Biden said. “The House of Representatives should promptly vote on this bipartisan bill and send it to my desk.”
Negotiations over the legislation began following mass shootings in Buffalo, N.Y., and at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, last month. Talks were led by Senators John Cornyn (R., Texas), Thom Tillis (R., N.C.), Chris Murphy (D., Conn.), and Kyrsten Sinema (D., Ariz.).
