The House of Representatives narrowly passes a controversial ban on assault weapons with a vote of 217-213, marking the first such legislation in nearly three decades. Drawing significant lines between parties, the bill faces staunch opposition from Republicans, who argue it infringes on Second Amendment rights while doing little to address the broader issue of gun violence; rifles accounted for only 3% of homicides in 2020 according to Pew Research data.
Representative Zoe Lofgren, whose district was affected by a mass shooting, highlights the necessity for such a ban, stating that Americans deserve to feel safe in their schools and communities. Despite President Biden’s support for the measure, it faces uncertainty in the Senate, where it will require bipartisan backing to advance and is unlikely to be voted on before a monthlong recess.
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