In the aftermath of mass shootings, there is a groundswell of frustration for the United States Senate to do something, anything really to address gun violence.
On Sunday, a bipartisan group of senators announced a deal to do something, anything.
This is from a statement issued by the group: “Today, we are announcing a commonsense, bipartisan proposal to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country. Families are scared, and it is our duty to come together and get something done that will help restore their sense of safety and security in their communities. We look forward to earning broad, bipartisan support and passing our commonsense proposal into law.”
The agreement provides for the following:
- funding to bolster mental health
- enhanced background checks for people under 21
- “red flag” laws
- stop people from buying a gun if they are convicted of abuse against their partner
Here is what the agreement does not allow for:
- bans on assault weapons
- raising the age to purchase semi-automatic rifles to 21
- safe storage rules at homes
- required background checks on internet sales and at gun shows
So this agreement lacks any real teeth to stop the kinds of weapons used in Ulvade, Buffalo and hundreds of other mass shootings.
And don't get too excited that the US Senate has actually done something or even anything. This proposal from this bi-partisan group is merely an outline of an agreement on principles and still needs to be turned into legislative text.
This is mere political theater, especially for Republicans who want to seem like their being reasonable and ready to do something, anything.
When it comes time to actually vote any actual legislation, the marching orders from the NRA will take hold once more. And even the modest, small efforts of this agreement will fade into nothingness.
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