A cross-party group of US senators have agreed a framework for potential legislation on gun safety, following a spate of mass shootings.
This would include support for tougher checks for buyers aged under 21 and cracking down on illegal gun purchases.
Crucially, the proposals are supported by 10 Republicans, meaning they have the numbers to be voted into law.
President Biden said the plans were “steps in the right direction” but they fall far short of what he called for, as previous attempts to tighten gun laws failed to get the required support in Congress.
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied across the US on Saturday to call for stricter gun laws in the wake of two mass shootings.
“Today, we are announcing a common sense, bipartisan proposal to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country,” the Senate group said in a statement.
“Families are scared, and it is our duty to come together and get something done that will help restore their sense of safety and security in their communities.”
The senators also called for increased investment in mental health services and school safety resources, as well as including domestic violence convictions and restraining orders in the national background check database for people buying firearms.
President Biden urged lawmakers to pass the proposals quickly, while making it clear that they did not go as far as he wanted.
The president has pushed for far bigger reforms including a ban on assault rifles, which were used in the Texas and Buffalo mass shootings, or at least an increase in the age at which they can be purchased.
“Obviously, it does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction, and would be the most significant gun safety legislation to pass Congress in decades,” he said in a statement.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat who said the plans were “a good first step”, said he wanted to move a bill quickly to a Senate vote once legislative details were worked out.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said the measures showed “the value of dialogue and cooperation”.
BBC/Adebukola Aluko
