WASHINGTON — In a late-night vote, the U.S. Senate approved a gun reform bill.
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Fifteen Republicans sided with Democrats to pass the first major gun safety legislation since 1994.
On Friday morning, the House Rules Committee will meet and vote on the bill. Then the bill will go to the full House floor.
If the House approves it, it will go to the president for his signature.
“Democrats and Republicans can come together to solve the most significant problem that any family faces, which is keeping their kid safe,” said Sen. Chris Murphy.
The bill expands background checks for people under 21 trying to buy a gun.
It also closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole,” preventing people convicted of domestic violence from owning guns.
The legislation provides money to improve school security and mental health programs as well.
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The parties seem to be finding common ground — a desire to protect children, which is helping spur the bipartisan effort.
“Making America safer, especially for kids in school, without making our country one bit less free,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell.
The measure does not ban or raise the age to buy an AR-15-style gun.
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The House Rules Committee will begin deliberations at 7 a.m. before the bill heads to the floor for a vote. It is expected to pass.
The bill could be on President Joe Biden’s desk by the weekend.
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