Prognosis Negative for Background Check Bill

Senate to vote on nine gun bills
Sen. Dianne Feinstein speaks about gun legislation on Senate floor, April 17 / AP

The Senate will vote on expanding background checks for firearm sales Wednesday afternoon, but what was once considered Democrats’ most viable option for gun control legislation does not appear to have the necessary 60 votes to proceed.

Remove and Replace

Senate Republicans ready substitute gun bill
Sens. Manchin, Toomey / AP

Senate Republicans are preparing a substitute to the background check legislation crafted by Sens. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) and Joe Manchin (D., W.V.), the Washington Free Beacon has learned.