For the first time in a quarter of a century, the United States House of Representatives passed a major gun safety measure that would require background checks for all firearm sales.
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The House voted 240-190 in favor of the bill. The pre-midterm Republican-majority House, stalled legislation relating to gun reform, despite increasing instances of mass shootings in the United States and outrage from the country's citizens.
Prominent civil rights icon and U.S. Representative John Lewis (D) noted several recent tragedies such as Pittsburg, Las Vegas and Orlando as examples that have urged grieving parents and students to demand that the government address gun violence.
The current gun law requires background checks for federally licensed firearm dealers but does not require such an inquiry on sales and transfers made by private citizens. This new measure means anyone purchasing a firearm online or at a gun show will be subject to a review.
While most gun control measures have been advocated by Democrats, bipartisan duo Mike Thompson (D) and Peter King (R) are sponsoring the bill.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who pushed for gun reform - alongside reelected speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi - in the 1990s, expresses his optimism for potential change.
"We have a Democratic House that will not flinch. We have a Senate Democratic minority that will not flinch. Most of all, we have a public who is aroused and strong." But, despite Schumer's positivity, it is unlikely that the Republican-majority Senate will advance the bill any further.
Democrats hope that public opinion will encourage Republican senators to vote in favor of the bill, as did eight Republican House representatives.
About 92% of U.S. citizens support the idea of background checks for all gun sales, according to a January poll by Quinnipiac. The legislation is also supported by several public figures and advocacy groups, including gun reform advocate Gabby Giffords, the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action.
The bill, however, exempts specific situations, such as gifts between spouses, gifts to children by parents and grandparents, and individuals facing "imminent death" or bodily harm.
Congresswoman Susan Davis celebrates the potential strengthening of the gun control system, saying, "Today we're offering more than thoughts and prayers."