Lately, for Republicans and Democrats to find common ground on any topic, let alone gun control, has seemed impossible. Yet this past weekend, a bipartisan group of Senators announced a framework for drafting new gun control legislation that both parties can support.
Although the framework they negotiated was less than Democrats wanted, it is a great first step. And we Democrats need to be grateful for it and also hopeful that future steps will be possible.
If passed, this new legislation’s framework would include:
- Stronger penalties for “straw purchases”
- Improved definition for licensed dealer
- Background checks for domestic abusers seeking to purchase guns
- Funding for school-based mental health
- Funding to improve safety in schools
- Funding for mental health services
- Mandatory criminal and mental health review for those under 21 seeking to purchase guns
All of these things will certainly help to save lives. Although we may be frustrated that the framework does not raise the minimum age to purchase guns or ban assault weapons, we should be thanking the following Senators for working to find common ground on gun control. Click on their name to send a note of appreciation.
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Richard Burr (R-NC)
Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Chis Coons (D-DE)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Mark Kelly (D-AZ)
Angus King (I-ME)
Chris Murphy (D-CT)
Rob Portman (R-OH)
Mitt Romney (R-UT)
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Pat Toomey (R-PA)
What Else You Can Do:
- Contact your State Representatives, urging them to support gun control legislation.
- Vote in November for only those candidates who support stronger gun control.
