A number of Democratic and Republican senators have come together in support of a proposed gun safety deal aimed at addressing the recent spate of mass shootings nationwide.
The tentative agreement includes more stringent background checks and incentives for states to implement “red flag” laws, which allow police, doctors, and family members to petition courts to prevent anyone considered harmful to themselves or others from purchasing guns, according to CNN. 19 states and the District of Columbia currently have red flag laws in place.
20 bipartisan senators issued a joint statement on Sunday endorsing the legislation. That group included the support of 10 critical Republicans – enough to overcome the Senate filibuster.
“Families are scared, and it is our duty to come together and get something done that will help restore their sense of safety and security in their communities,” the statement said.
The senators added that they intend to prioritize expanding mental health resources and improving the support networks available to students in schools.
Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) are two of the top negotiators on the agreement. Murphy has long been a vocal advocate of gun safety laws, whereas Cornyn is an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment.
Among the other Republican senators to sign the join statement are: Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Thom Tillis and Richard Burr of North Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Mitt Romney of Utah.
