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Biden meets Democratic Senator Murphy on gun reform

A gun dealer displays assault rifles at a shop in Dallas, Texas, September 13, 2004. (File photo by Reuters)

US President Joe Biden and Senator Christopher Scott Murphy (D - Conn.) have been scheduled to meet to discuss the dispute between Democratic and  Republican lawmakers over gun law reforms, and explore ways to possibly reach a compromise agreement.

"This morning, the president will meet with Senator Chris Murphy to discuss ongoing negotiations in the Senate on gun reform," the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted on Tuesday.

Following a mass shooting at a Texas school, Biden has been publicly pushing for tough legislation to address rampant gun violence in the United States.

"How much more carnage are we willing to accept,” he said last week in a passionate speech, urging opposing lawmakers to end their blockade of measures and legislation for tough gun control.

Murphy, who is leading the gun talks for Democrats, was quoted by CNN as saying on Sunday, “We’re not going to do everything I want.”

He warned that any potential deal with Republicans on gun legislation would not include an assault weapons ban or “comprehensive” background checks.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Senator John Cornyn from the state of Texas has been the lead Republican negotiator in the congressional talks for new gun laws.

The two senators said on Monday that they were making progress in the talks, but needed more time to reach a deal on ways to improve gun purchasers' background checks and encourage states to adopt red flag laws.

For decades, tougher or laxer gun control has been one of the most divisive issues in US society.

The issue is rooted in a single sentence in the US Constitution. “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,” according to the Second Amendment to the US Constitution.

The interpretation of the Second Amendment differs between the Democrats, who believe in stricter gun control, and the Republicans, who see gun legislation as an infringement of their gun rights.

Recent gun talks began after an 18-year-old opened fire in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 children and two teachers.


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