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Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Congress Passes Bill for Restricting Gun Violence


Sat 25 Jun 2022 | 11:58 AM
Rana Atef

On Friday, US Congress passed a landmark legislation for controlling guns and weapons in the states to prevent and restrict the gun violence and random shootings that took place in the states in the past few years, NBC News reported.

The bill passed as all Democrats backed it, while only 14 Republicans voted for it. Members who supported the bill celebrated in the chamber as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the decision.

Pelosi said: "Every day, gun violence steals lives and scars communities — and this crisis demands urgent action," adding: "While we must do more, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is a step forward that will help protect our children and save lives."

According to the new bill, background checks will be required before giving the right to the citizen to buy guns.

Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican who represents Uvalde, Texas, announced in advance that he would vote for the bill. It was crafted after the mass shooting in his district last month in which 19 children and two teachers were killed, and another in Buffalo, New York, that killed 10 people.

On the other hand, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise wrote: "This legislation takes the wrong approach in attempting to curb violent crimes,"

"House Republicans are committed to identifying and solving the root causes of violent crimes."

On his side, President Joe Biden previously said, urging the Congress to take an immediate action for restricting gun violence: "I am glad to see Congress has moved significantly closer to finally doing something — passing bipartisan legislation that will help protect Americans."

"Our kids in schools and our communities will be safer because of this legislation. I call on Congress to finish the job and get this bill to my desk."