The New York Times notes that the deal on gun sale background checks — negotiated between Senators Pat Toomey and Joe Manchin — may not be able to muster enough support even after significant concessions by reform advocates.
“Among the 16 Republicans who joined 50 Democrats and two independents in voting last week to proceed to consideration of gun legislation, roughly seven have already decided not to support the measure. Another half-dozen Republicans who voted to proceed on the bill remain ambivalent.”
“Should the background check amendment fail, a broader package of new gun legislation would continue to the Senate floor, but wounded.”
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arm became the first gun rights group to come out in favor of the background check compromise, although the National Rifle Associated remains adamantly opposed to the measure.
