US Senate Working on Gun Legislation

A bi-partisan group of U.S. Senators has put together a plan to address violence across the nation. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is one of the ten Republicans who have signed on to this proposal.

Cassidy says “I joined these negotiations to ensure any agreement addressed illegal gun violence while upholding due process and protecting law-abiding Americans’ 2nd Amendment rights. This agreement upholds that commitment.”

What Does This Plan Do?

Provides funding for states to create laws to help keep guns out of the hands of people who might be dangerous. This plan also expands behavioral health centers and will spend money to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs.

This plan also calls for more protection for victims of domestic violence.
Schools will also have more funding available to expand mental health and supportive services.

This bi-partisan agreement also includes more resources to help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and support school violence prevention efforts.

This package also cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements.
This widespread reform package also calls for more investment in telehealth programs for families in crisis and for young people dealing with behavioral issues.

Cassidy joined fellow Republicans John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, Roy Blunt, Richard Burr, Susan Collins, , Lindsey Graham, Rob Portman, Mitt Romney, and Pat Toomey in pushing forward this package of changes. They issued this statement:

Today, we are announcing a commonsense, bipartisan proposal to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country. 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. Our plan increases needed mental health resources, improves school safety and support for students, and helps ensure dangerous criminals and those who are adjudicated as mentally ill can’t purchase weapons. Most importantly, our plan saves lives while also protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. We look forward to earning broad, bipartisan support and passing our commonsense proposal into law.

What Gun Measures Are Included?

On the gun front, this bill calls for enhanced background checks for gun buyers who are under age 21. This would include checks with state databases and local police.
This bill also cracks down on criminals who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns.