After taskeding a top Republican with negotiating the arrangement, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell showed support for a quick-moving package of measures in reaction to mass murders.
‘For myself, I’m comfortable with the framework and if the legislation ends up reflecting the framework, I’ll be supportive,’ McConnell told reporters Tuesday.
He joins a group of ten Republicans and ten Democrats who have reached an agreement on a bill that funds mental health programs and counselors, provides funds for school security, and funds states that enact’red flag laws,’ which expand background checks to include juvenile records for those under the age of 21.
With the July 4th holiday approaching, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer is urging the chamber to act with ‘urgency.’
‘I spoke with Senator (Chuck) Schumer this morning. He said he would like to have this bill ready to vote on next week and I’m certainly with him in terms of that aspirational goal,’ said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas.)
With McConnell on board, supporters would have more than the ten Republican votes needed to break a Republican filibuster, which has delayed larger gun control measures and requires a 60-vote supermajority to take up the bill or end debate.
The bill allocates cash to help states implement red flag regulations. Cornyn fought back against what he called “misinformation” that the bill encouraged such legislation.
‘None of what we are proposing would create a national red flag law,’ he said.
Lawmakers, aided by committee staff, still must turn the agreement into legislative language.
Schumer said negotiators ‘are working with the urgency the situation demands and they are hopeful the legislative texts can be finalized in the coming days.’
Even reaching completion on a deal by this week would only start the clock on Senate consideration amid a Republican filibuster.
That could put House action after the break.
‘While more is needed, this package will take steps to save lives,’ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday about the package.
Negotiators redoubled their efforts following mass shootings in Uvalde Texas and Buffalo, amid Biden’s demands for an assault weapons ban and other measures. The House passed broad gun control legislation that also raised the age to 21 for assault weapons purcheass.