US Senate Passes Gun Control Bill... 65 Votes in Favor, 33 Against

Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate Majority Leader of the Democratic Party
[Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] On the 23rd (local time), a gun control bill prepared in response to last month's elementary school shooting tragedy in Texas, USA, passed the U.S. Senate vote.

According to AP News and others, the 80-page gun control bill was approved in the Senate floor vote with 65 in favor and 33 against. All 50 Democratic senators voted in favor, while Republicans were divided. A few hours before the floor vote, the Senate also blocked the Republican filibuster (a procedure to block legislative progress through unlimited debate) with a vote of 65 to 34.

Initially, the bill's passage in the Senate was uncertain due to Republican opposition, but AP News reported that both parties reached a consensus after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Immediately after the bill's passage, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat) stated, "Tonight, the U.S. Senate has done what many thought was impossible just weeks ago," adding, "We have passed meaningful gun safety legislation for the first time in nearly 30 years."

The bill still requires passage in the House of Representatives and President Joe Biden's signature. Since the Democrats hold the majority in the House, its passage is expected to be smooth. As both chambers will enter a two-week recess next week, U.S. media report that the House is likely to vote and pass the bill by the night of the 24th.

The bill, agreed upon by both parties in the Senate, primarily requires background checks for gun buyers aged 18 to 21, allowing the provision of juvenile crime records. It also mandates that authorities review the mental health status of gun purchasers under 21 for at least ten days. Additionally, it expands background check requirements to more gun dealers, strengthens penalties for gun trafficking, and includes incentives for states that adopt "red flag" laws allowing temporary seizure of firearms from individuals deemed dangerous.

In the U.S., following mass shootings last month in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, public opinion for stronger gun control has increased, amplifying calls for the introduction of gun control legislation.

The U.S. Congress has established meaningful gun control legislation for the first time in 29 years since banning assault rifles in 1993 (which expired after 10 years).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.