Mocs News Reporting the news that matters most to UTC
by Alaura Robinson
President Donald Trump was told by congressional leaders on September 15 that future gun control proposals must include a House-passed bill expanding background checks for the purchase of a gun. If no bill is included, democrats warn no legislation may be passed.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., promised to join Trump “for a historic signing ceremony at the Rose Garden.” They stipulated that Trump must provide support for the House legislation and encourages Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to act on it.
The conversation took place over the span of a ten minute phone call, during which the Democratic leaders reiterated that House support is necessary to eliminate dangerous loopholes, otherwise the legislation “will not get the job done.”
The bills aims to expand background checks to private sales, such as the one enabling an Odessa, Texas shooting suspect to purchase his firearm prior to killing seven individuals in August.
“We know that to save as many lives as possible, the Senate must pass this bill and the president must sign it,” said Pelosi and Schumer.
McConnell has declined to hold a vote on the House approved bill since February, stating his uncertainty of senate and presidential support.
Over the phone call, Trump stated that he planned to announce what measures he supported as soon as the end of the week. White House spokesman Judd Deere confirmed the conversation, adding that Trump requested a “bipartisan legislative solution” be found.
“The conversation was cordial. The president reiterated his commitment for his administration to continue work on these issues,” said Deere.
Congress has faced difficulty reaching a bipartisan agreement regarding gun control after a summer of several mass shootings. Trump has promised to protect the Second Amendment and has remained uncertain of which measures to support.
“We will not stop until these bills are passed and our children’s lives are safe,” said Pelosi and Schumer.
