Senators voted 68-31 Thursday on a procedural measure that will allow debate to begin on a bill that will strengthen background checks for gun buyers. The vote is just the first step. Now, a debate that could last for weeks begins, as the bill still faces opposition from both Republicans and red-state Democrats and may have trouble clearing the House on its way to Obama’s desk. Hopes for a compromise were boosted Wednesday when a bipartisan deal was reached by West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin and Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey.
