WASHINGTON, May 26 (Reuters) – Republicans in the US Senate blocked a debate Thursday on a bill that marks the first effort by Congress to tackle the mass shootings following the killing of 10 black blacks in New York and the massacre of 19 students. and two by an archer. teachers in Texas.
The 47 to 47 vote on strict party lines did not reach the 60 votes in favor needed to start a debate in the 100-member Senate on a bill entitled the Law on the Prevention of Internal Terrorism.
The vote effectively blocked a bill that would authorize federal agencies to jointly monitor and report on domestic terrorism in the United States, including incidents involving white supremacy.
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
I’m registering
Republicans said the legislation was unnecessary because Democrat President Joe Biden already had the power to organize his administration’s response to violent extremism.
Democrats said the bill was needed to boost the federal government’s response to growing cases of violent extremism. They said amendments to any such bill could address potential arms restrictions.
Mass shootings in recent years have sparked a debate in Congress about what to do with gun violence, but little action, as the two parties are deeply divided over gun restrictions.
Americans have little confidence in the ability of Congress to solve the problem, with a Reuters / Ipsos poll Tuesday showing that only 35% believe lawmakers will act. Read more
The House of Representatives passed the Domestic Terrorism Bill last week after an outspoken supporter of white supremacy killed 10 blacks in a live shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, on May 14.
On Tuesday, a gunman stormed a school in Uwalde, Texas, killing 9- and 10-year-olds and two teachers.
Senate Democrats and some Republicans discussed the possibility of bipartisan legislation to tackle mass shootings, including proposals to expand checks on gun buyers and keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill.
About 79 percent of Americans – including 78 percent of Republicans – are more likely to vote for a congressional candidate in November who supports the passage of such laws, according to a Reuters / Ipsos poll.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said at least five Democrat lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Murphy, had asked Republicans about possible gun and school safety measures.
Murphy, a leading proponent of gun restrictions, told a news conference that talks with Republicans are expected on Thursday and will continue until next week. But the chances are slim at best that the Senate will pass any arms control bill.
“None of us have any illusions that this will be easy,” Schumer said in the Senate, accusing Republicans of being in the “grip” of the American weapons lobby. But he added: “We need to give him some time to try.”
Sumer’s Republican counterpart, minority leader Mitch McConnell, told reporters that any proposal that could pass through the Senate would have to be limited to the “facts” about the Texas massacre. He did not give details, but Republicans are widely opposed to new gun restrictions that would violate the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
Other Republicans have expressed potential interest in red flag legislation that would encourage states to reject firearms to anyone who finds themselves mentally unstable or dangerous, possibly using unspent funds for COVID-19 to pay for the initiative.
As the 100-seat Senate is split 50-50, gun legislation will need 10 Republican votes to cover the House’s 60-vote threshold for passing most bills.
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
I’m registering
Report by David Morgan; Additional reports by Richard Cowan; Edited by Scott Malone and Howard Goller
Our standards: Thomson Reuters’ principles of trust.
Add Comment