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The News Tribute

A poll released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center
found that around 8 in 10 of both gun owners and people without guns favor
extending background checks to private gun sales.
Majorities of gun owners oppose banning assault weapons,
while most without firearms favor the prohibition.

About 3 in 10 Republicans said they own guns, about double the rate of Democrats.
It also found that two-thirds of NRA members support expanded background checks.

So then ...

Senate Committee Approves Expanding Background Checks For Gun Sales

The Associated Press reports that the committee cast a 10-8 party-line vote, with all Republicans opposed,
on the measure to expand a requirement of background checks for gun sales between private parties.
<snip>
The panel also voted 14-4 for a measure providing an additional $40 million annually
for school safety improvements like classroom locks and training for teachers.
Four Republicans joined Democrats in backing that measure,
which initially called for a higher figure that was reduced in bargaining
between Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Susan Collins, R-Maine.

NPR

Last week, the committee voted 11-7 for a bill that would make
gun trafficking a federal crime carrying long prison terms.
Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa was the sole Republican supporter.

That measure would also crack down on straw purchasers,
people who buy a firearm for criminals or others forbidden to buy one.