Sen. McCain May Have the Key Vote on Universal Background Checks

Part of the Senate's gun package

As is usually the case in DC, we can predict the outcome of the Senate's vote on a unified package of gun measures a few weeks before the vote happens. One of the only question marks — universal background checks — may also be resolved, thanks to a big name. Not Bloomberg. McCain.

What the Senate will vote on next month includes three elements: a measure to increase penalties for illegal gun sales, increased funding for school protection, and universal background checks. A measure to ban assault weapons will be voted on as an amendment to the main package. The first two components passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support; the second two, on a party-line vote.