Politics

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

Part of the Senate's gun package

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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.