His backing provided further evidence that the current round of gun-law negotiation might have sufficient GOP support to overcome a filibuster.
A tentative bipartisan deal to toughen federal gun laws picked up momentum in the Senate Tuesday after Republican leader Mitch McConnell lent public support to a framework that negotiators released this week. McConnell’s backing provided further evidence that the current round of gun-law negotiations, which kicked off after last months deadly shooting inside a Texas elementary school, might just have what previous attempts at bipartisan compromise did not — sufficient GOP support to overcome a filibuster. Ten Republicans, led by Sens. John Cornyn (Tex.) and Thom Tillis (N.C.), signed the framework released Sunday — giving the tentative deal the bare minimum of GOP support needed to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold, assuming all 50 members of the Democratic caucus end up supporting the legislation. The backing of McConnell (Ky.) suggests a larger group of perhaps a dozen more Republicans is in play for the legislation, which would represent the most significant new federal gun restrictions since the mid-1990s.
“I’m comfortable with the framework, and if the legislation ends up reflecting what the framework indicates, I’ll be supportive,” McConnell told reporters Thursday. Also signaling tentative support Tuesday was Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a moderate who frequently backs bipartisan deals but who is also seeking reelection this year in a historically pro-gun-rights state. Murkowski described the framework as “fairly reasonable” and said she was “encouraged” by the progress Tuesday, but like other Republicans said she would review text of the bill before making a final decision.
