Both supporters and opponents of legislation designed to curb gun violence expect a revised proposal that would expand background checks for firearms sales to return to Congress for a vote later this year, despite a resounding defeat last month, McClatchy Newspapers report. Vice President Biden, the administration's point-person on gun control, has renewed a series of meetings with organizations with a vested interest in the issue, from law enforcement officers to religious leaders.
Advocacy groups are pressuring lawmakers they think could be persuaded to change their vote by running ads, packing town halls, and signing petitions. Perhaps most importantly, senators from both parties are talking privately, seeking small but significant changes to the background check bill to appease critics worried about infringing on privacy and chipping away at the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Both sides expect a second vote, but a victory is not guaranteed. Opposition remains strong. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), found people lined up 3-to-1 against it at town meetings. “The problem is that nothing in that bill would have prevented any of the recent catastrophes,” said Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT).