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April 17, 2013

Senate to Hold Votes on Gun Amendments; Background Check Measure Lacks Support 
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Senate leaders have agreed to hold votes in the coming days on a number
of key amendments to an overall package on gun control. The measures
include a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. It is
widely known that proposal lacks enough support, with a number of
Democrats joining Republicans in opposition. The Washington Post now
reports a highly touted compromise on background checks is also short of
the needed votes. The Manchin-Toomey amendment would expand background
checks to all commercial gun sales, but exclude gifts and transfers
between relatives. But according to the latest tally, only 52 senators
have signed on to the measure, eight short of the 60-vote threshold.
Eight senators remain undecided.

 

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