The US Senate voted in favor of legislation that slightly tightens gun laws after two devastating shootings last month. Thursday’s vote in Congressional Chambers produced 65 yes and 33 against. The bill must now pass the House of Representatives before it can be signed by President Joe Biden. It is the first federal tightening of U.S. gun laws in nearly 30 years.
The text provides, among other things, for extensive background checks on arms buyers under the age of 21. In addition, financial incentives must be created for individual US states to temporarily remove the weapons from potentially dangerous gun owners. Billions are also planned for school safety and better psychiatric care in the country.
opposition from the opposition Republicans
The Democrats would have liked to take further action. They were opposed by opposition Republicans, who have a blocking minority in the Senate. Given the political polarization in the US, the fact that both parties were able to agree on a legislative text on gun rights is already a success.
Two attacks sparked new debate
Two serious attacks in May sparked a renewed debate in the United States about tightening gun laws. First, an 18-year-old in New York state shot and killed ten people in front of and in a supermarket with an assault rifle, apparently for racist reasons. At an elementary school in the small Texas town of Uvalde, an 18-year-old killed 19 children and two teachers.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
