What Gun Control Bill Is In The Senate

Gun control legislation has been a contentious issue in the U.S. for decades, but recently, the House passed two Democratic-backed bills that address some of the loopholes in the current system. These bills could potentially save countless lives and prevent devastating tragedies, making them a critically important step in improving public safety.

Closing the Gun Show and Charleston Loopholes

The first bill passed by the House addresses the so-called "gun show loophole" and the "Charleston loophole". Currently, individuals can purchase guns from private sellers at gun shows without undergoing a background check. Additionally, if a background check isn't completed within three days for a gun purchase, the sale can proceed—a loophole that enabled the shooter in the 2015 Charleston church shooting to obtain a weapon.

Closing these loopholes is a major step in promoting public safety. According to a study by the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, when Connecticut introduced universal background checks, the state saw a 40 percent decrease in gun homicides. Similarly, closing the "Charleston loophole" could have prevented the Charleston church shooting—the shooter had a criminal record that would have prohibited him from purchasing a firearm if a background check had been completed.

The decision to close these loopholes is also a win for the majority of Americans. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, 91 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans support background checks for private sales and sales at gun shows.

These bills are a major step forward in the effort to reduce gun violence in America. However, they face an uncertain future in the Senate. It is up to lawmakers to put the safety of the American people first and pass this critical legislation.

Red Flag Laws

The second bill passed by the House establishes federal "red flag" laws, which enable family members or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual who may pose a threat to themselves or others. This law is based on similar statutes in several states and would help prevent individuals who are a danger to themselves or others from obtaining firearms.

"Red flag" laws are a critical component in the effort to reduce gun-related deaths. According to one study, 42 percent of mass shooters exhibited warning signs before the attack. By allowing family members or law enforcement to petition the court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual before they can act on those warning signs, these laws could prevent countless tragedies.

It is important to note that "red flag" laws do not impinge on Second Amendment rights. Individuals can still own firearms once the temporary removal has ended, and they can contest the court order if they feel that their guns were taken unfairly.

The Importance of Common-Sense Gun Control Legislation

Unfortunately, gun violence in America is all too common. From mass shootings to street crime, the problem has affected millions of Americans. However, solutions are available that can help reduce the number of gun-related deaths and injuries.

Common-sense gun control legislation, such as background checks, closing loopholes, and red flag laws, are important steps that will ultimately save countless lives. Whether you're a gun owner or someone who has been impacted by gun violence, it's important to support these measures and make your voice heard. We must work together to ensure that no more lives are lost to senseless gun violence.

Common-Sense Gun Control Measures	Benefits
Universal Background Checks	Prevents individuals with a history of violence or mental health issues from purchasing firearms and reduces gun-related deaths by up to 40%
Closing the Gun Show and Charleston Loopholes	Ensures that individuals purchasing firearms at gun shows or from private sellers undergo background checks, preventing prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms
Red Flag Laws	Allows family members or law enforcement to petition the court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others, preventing countless tragedies

As a society, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to take action on this important issue. By supporting common-sense gun control measures and working together across political lines, we can make America a safer place for all who call it home.