United States’ bipartisan gun control bill signed into law
The bipartisan gun control bill of the United States was signed into law on Saturday.
President of the United States Joe Biden signed the most significant gun control bill in three decades. The signature came one day after the House approved bipartisan gun legislation that was approved by the Senate late Thursday and sent to Mr. Biden for his signature.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed the lower chamber by a vote of 234-193.
The bill enhances background checks for gun buyers 21 years of age, provides billions for mental health services and closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole” to prevent convicted domestic abusers from purchasing a firearm for five years.
In addition, the plan provides $750 million in grants to incentivize states to start crisis intervention programs, clarifies the definition of a federally licensed firearms dealer and creates penalties for straw purchases and gun trafficking.
On Saturday, before signing the bill into law, Mr. Biden said he was present when previous gun legislation was passed three decades ago and stressed the importance of the legislation.
“This bill doesn’t do everything I want, but includes actions I’ve longed called for that saves lives,” Mr. Biden said.
Biden said he would host a White House event on July 11 that will include members of Congress who voted for the bill and victims of gun violence who implored him to take action.
