Democrats Have Big Gun Control Dreams. Here Is Their First Move.

Last week, eight Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives joined nearly every Democrat in supporting legislation that was aimed at strengthening background checks in all firearms sales and transfers. The “Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021” passed in a vote of 227 to 203 with only a single Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, casting a vote against it.

If it passes the Senate and is signed into law by President Biden, it would result in new background check requirements for all gun transfers conducted by private parties.

As it currently stands, unlicensed or “private sellers” are not required to conduct a background check for transfers on firearms, and this includes sales made at gun shows – which has resulted in opponents of such transactions calling this the “gun show loophole,” and additionally have argued this is how many criminals obtain their firearms. All licensed dealers, including those who sell at gun shows, are in fact required to conduct a background check.

The majority of Republican lawmakers pushed back against the measure and argued that it would result in an infringement on American citizens’ constitutional rights. They have further warned that it could hinder abuse victims from obtaining a firearm for protection. Proponents said they believed the measure would curb gun violence and keep firearms from being obtained by criminals.