Shortly before 5:00 PM this evening, Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas took to the Senate floor to tell Americans what we can expect to see in the “bipartisan compromise” gun bill just released to the public.
The legislation includes provisions that deal with a number of factors that Senators believe could help prevent another tragedy like Uvalde.
Topics addressed in the bill include provisions to fund community mental health centers and school-based mental health services.
There are also measures that would make it more difficult for individuals between 18 and 20 years of age to obtain firearms, and expand the definition of who must register for a Federal Firearms License (FFL).
Senators from both parties have shown support for the bill which could face a procedural vote as early as tonight.
Text of “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” or the gun reform bill has been released.
Sens Murphy, Cornyn, Sinema, and Tillis:
“…Our legislation will save lives and will not infringe on any law-abiding American’s Second Amendment rights…”— Aishah Hasnie (@aishahhasnie) June 21, 2022
Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer pledged to bring the bill up for final passage as soon as possible.
This bipartisan gun-safety legislation is progress and will save lives. While it’s not everything we want, it’s urgently-needed.
I’ll put this life-saving bill up for a vote—with an initial procedural vote as soon as tonight and then move to final passage as quickly as possible. pic.twitter.com/iOuSCnRmVf— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 21, 2022
Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has also stated support for the legislation while insisting that it would not infringe upon constitutional rights.
Inbox: Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell comes out in favor of Cornyn/Murphy public safety package: pic.twitter.com/IEFChMgyPC— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) June 21, 2022
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has promised to stand up for law-abiding gun owners and oppose the legislation.
Notably, they released this statement just a few minutes after 80 pages of bill text came out. So they knew what was coming— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) June 21, 2022
This story is still developing and our team will continue to provide updates as they become available.