None of GOP senators who signed framework gun violence bill seeking 2022 reelection, four retiring
The agreement was announced in a statement by 10 Senate Republicans and 10 Senate Democrats
None of the 10 Republican senators who on Sunday backed a framework agreement on gun violence legislation are up for reelection this year.
The bipartisan proposal will, if passed, address such issues as mental health and school security. However, it doesn't include efforts to tighten federal gun-control laws.
The agreement was announced in a statement by 10 Senate Republicans and 10 Senate Democrats.
Such legislation cannot pass in the Senate without first clearing a 60-vote procedural hurdle, which means Democrats would need the support of 10 Republicans in the evenly-split 50-50 chamber.
"Families are scared, and it is our duty to come together and get something done that will help restore their sense of safety and security in their communities," the statement read. "Most importantly, our plan saves lives while also protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans.”
This deal if passed would allowing authorities to check the mental health and juvenile records of those under the age of 21 seeking to buy a gun. Additionally, It will extend the checks to partners with a history of domestic violence, closing the "boyfriend loophole" discussion.
The 10 Republicans who signed the letter are Sen. John Cornyn, Mitt Romney, Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham, Thom Tillis, Roy Blunt, Rob Portman, Richard Burr, Bill Cassidy, and Pat Toomey. Many of these Republicans have a long history of supporting in National Rifle Association, with Cornyn being given an A+ rating by the organization.
Romney and Burr, respectively, have also received funding by the NRA at $13.5 million and $7 million in donations . Additionally, Blunt, Burr, Portman and Toomey are all retiring from the Senate at the end of the year.
Mitt Romney is only one who has commented on his 2024 reelection run but states he hasn't decided yet amid former President Donald J. Trump's potential plans.
These negotiations were sparked by the recent mass shooting at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school in which 19 children and two teachers were killed. The May 24 incident came 10 days after 10 people were fatally shot in a Buffalo, N.Y., grocery store.
President Biden has thanked Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, who is leading negotiations for Democrats and Republicans including Cornyn and Tillis for their work on the proposal but said the framework bill doesn't go far enough.
"Obviously, it does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction, and would be the most significant gun safety legislation to pass Congress in decades." he said. "Each day that passes, more children are killed in this country: the sooner it comes to my desk, the sooner I can sign it."
https://justthenews.com/government/congress/bipartisan-gun-bill-has-support-10-leading-republican-senators