Rep. King, Sen. Schumer call on Senate to pass gun reform bill

Two New York lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum are calling on the Senate to vote on a gun reform bill.

News 12 Staff

Aug 6, 2019, 8:08 PM

Updated 1,735 days ago

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Two New York lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum are calling on the Senate to vote on a gun reform bill.
Rep. Peter King of Seaford and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stood in front of the Walmart in Westbury to talk about the latest mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.
The bill requires background checks on everyone who purchases a gun, including sales at gun shows and online.
"It's basically saying that people who are criminals, people who have been judged to have mental issues and people who are spousal abusers or are guilty of domestic violence would not be able to purchase a gun," King says.
Schumer also expressed the need for gun control by explaining that more American lives were lost over the weekend than were lost in Afghanistan in 2017 and 2018 combined.
Both legislators say Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is bowing to pressure from gun rights activists and is blocking the vote. They also say it would be vital if President Donald Trump voiced support for the bill.
In New York, a new red flag law is set to take effect this month. It's designed to keep guns out of the hands of people who are potentially dangerous.
Under the law, a family member, police officer or school official can request what is called an "extreme risk protection order." If a judge determines there is a risk, they could be blocked from purchasing a gun or have to get rid of a gun they already own.
The Senate is on recess for the month of August, but both King and Schumer say they should be called back to emergency session to pass the bill.
McConnell has not said he would call back lawmakers for a vote.


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