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(Image Source: CNN)
BY CANDICE AVILES
After all the threats of a GOP filibuster, the Senate has voted to move forward with
debate on a gun safety bill with a final vote of 68 to 31.
They only need 60 votes. CBS reported 16 Republicans joined with 52 Democrats to make this happen,
while 29 Republicans and two Democrats, Senator Mark Begich of Alaska and Senator Mark Pryor
of Arkansas, voted against the motion.
The Washington Post reports the legislation contains largely Democratic proposals to expand
background checks, provide more federal money for school security programs, and make gun
trafficking a federal crime. It would also let gun dealers to sell firearms across state
lines.
Many expect the debate to span weeks. The bill will again need 60 votes to end the debate
including any amendments added to it.
The Obama administration supports the bill. Vice President Biden pointed to a public opinion
poll showing Americans being “ahead” of Congress in that they want stronger background
checks for gun buyers. (Via Whitehouse.gov, CNN)
But that’s not to say there wasn’t debate Thursday.
SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D-VT): “Americans across this great country are looking to us for solutions
and for action not for filibustering.”
SEN. MIKE LEE (R-UT): “Protecting our rights, the few the government has left us, is of
the utmost importance to us...” (Via C-SPAN)
CNN reports the National Rifle Association also spoke out against the legislation suggesting
it would direct its campaign funding against lawmakers who support it.
This action comes four months after 26 children and adults died at Sandy Hook Elementary School
in Newtown, Connecticut. Any official changes will be the first national action on firearm
regulations in two decades.