After hours of debate and testimony on Capitol Hill, a legislative package to strengthen gun laws passed the Democratic-controlled House, but the action was largely symbolic since the proposals lack enough Republican support to overcome a Senate filibuster.
Activists gather in Washington to demand action against gun violence.
The legislation passed in a close vote, with virtually all Democrats voting in favor of the package and almost all Republicans voting against it.
The minimum age to buy a semi-automatic rifle would be raised from 18 to 21.
The National Firearms Act would be listed under the legislation, as well as banning bump stocks for civilian use and ensuring ghost guns are subject to federal firearms protections.
The package is almost certain to be dead in the Senate, where 10 Republican votes are needed to break the 60-vote rule. If the two sides reach a deal, the gun reform bill will likely include more modest measures. Creating national red flag laws could be a point of compromise. Any gun control bill that makes it to the president's desk would be signed by him.
After two mass shootings in May, gun regulation became the center of political attention. A teenager killed 19 children and two teachers with a rifle at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. One of the survivors of the shooting, 11-year-old Miah Cerrillo, gave video testimony to the House Oversight Committee Wednesday, telling them she doesn't want it to happen again. A man is accused of killing 10 people at a grocery store in New York.
Uvalde fourth graders recount their experiences during a house hearing on gun violence.
There are 60 plus votes for gun legislation, according to Cornyn.
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