Cornyn, as well as Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Thom Tillis (R-NC), commented on the agreement in a news release.
“Today, we finalized bipartisan, commonsense legislation to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country,” the senators remarked in a joint statement.
“Our legislation will save lives and will not infringe on any law-abiding American’s Second Amendment rights. We look forward to earning broad, bipartisan support and passing our commonsense legislation into law.”
The bill increases funding intended to support mental health through Medicaid and other government programs. It also clarifies that certain entries in juvenile justice records may disqualify someone under 21 from purchasing a firearm.
The legislation makes amendments to the background check process and changes aimed at strengthening efforts against straw gun purchases and firearms trafficking.
It also broadens the definition of a “romantic relationship” for the purpose of domestic violence in the context of revoking someone’s legal right to purchase a weapon, closing the so-called “boyfriend loophole.”
There are also provisions designed to protect due process rights. However, opponents of gun control measures contend that law-abiding citizens could be denied the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
The bill includes billions of dollars in appropriations for federal departments such as the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) voted against the bill.
In Houston last week, Cornyn faced the ire of state GOP delegates at their biennial convention as he spoke on topics including gun reform. His speech was partially drowned out by jeers and booing that echoed throughout the convention hall.
A copy of the legislation can be found below.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."
