Federal lawmakers will vote in the coming days on the bipartisan “safer communities act” that includes gun reforms championed by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut. It would expand background checks for people under 21, offer federal funds to help states take away guns from holders at risk of hurting themselves or others, and give the federal government more power to tackle gun trafficking. A sticking point in recent federal negotiations for gun reform was an attempt by Democratic U.S. Senators to close the so-called Boyfriend Loophole that allows unmarried abusers to get guns. U.S. Senator from Connecticut Richard Blumenthal says the agreement may not close the loophole, but it will “substantially shrink” it.
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