The US Senate will take up a “gun control compromise” bill today which will set the stage for the debate moving forward. Obviously a hot topic heading into 2014 and 2016 as well with candidates on all sides voicing opinions.
Report from the Washington Post:
Manchin’s deal was struck with two Republican senators, Mark Kirk (Ill.) and Patrick J. Toomey (Pa.). Its most important feature is a proposal to expand background checks for gun buyers, to cover transactions at gun shows and Internet sales.
The deal does not go as far as Obama wanted, however. It exempts sales between private citizens, where no business or advertising is involved.
But it will serve as a starting point for a long Senate debate. Wednesday’s deal was made because of Toomey, who got involved last Wednesday and holds an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association, just like Manchin. (Schumer and Kirk’s involvement was not much of a breakthrough, as both received an “F.”)
GOP Senator Ted Cruz is claiming that an overreach on gun restrictions will cost the Democrats control of the Senate in 2014. What does this mean for the midterms and beyond?
