Gun control measures stall in Senate

An attempt to reform gun laws and strengthen background checks appears to have stalled in the Senate as the country grapples with recurring mass shootings.

Mass casualties from attacks in Atlanta, Boulder, Colo., and Indianapolis led President Joe Biden and leaders in the House and Senate to push for compromise legislation. And the president is likely to reiterate his demands when he addresses a joint session of Congress next week.

The rising death toll has placed pressure on Congress from a section of the electorate that views inaction on the issue of access to semi-automatic rifles and other equipment commonly used in mass shootings as part of the problem.

But entrenched political divisions remain in the Senate, where Biden’s nominee to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is facing organized opposition.

David Chipman, a former ATF agent and recently an adviser to gun control groups like Giffords, is being opposed by the National Rifle Association and gun rights supporters. Chipman has been an advocate for restrictions on weapons and other measures he says would curb deadly attacks.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., meanwhile, said, “I’ve committed to put a bill on expanded background checks on the floor of the Senate.”

But the outcome of a Senate vote on expanded background checks remains in doubt as Democrats would need a united caucus, or Republican support, to pass that legislation.