Bipartisan deal on background checks inches forward

Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey, two influential senators on gun control, are reportedly working on a framework

Published April 8, 2013 12:42PM (EDT)

The Senate could soon reach a bipartisan deal on universal background checks, with Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., reportedly negotiating a framework for legislation.

From the Washington Post:

Manchin and Toomey are developing a measure to require background checks for all gun purchases except sales between close family members and some hunters, which addresses concerns of some conservatives, according to the aides, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly about the talks.

Spokesmen for Manchin and Toomey said only that the senators are talking to many of their colleagues about gun legislation and could not confirm details of their discussions.

Both senators have received A-ratings from the NRA.

Manchin has been involved in talks for a gun control deal for several weeks, along with Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Tom Coburn, R-Okla. But the talks recently hit a roadblock over Coburn's opposition to keeping records of private gun sales.

 


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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Gun Control Joe Manchin Nra Pat Toomey Universal Background Checks