The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan gun control bill Friday, sending the historic bill to President Biden’s desk.
The legislation received a 234 -193 vote, with 14 House Republicans crossing party lines to vote.
Some Republicans that joined House Democrats were Reps. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Tom Rice of South Carolina, and John Katko of New York.
The bill, which passed the Senate with a 65-33 vote late Thursday, comes one month after the mass shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas.
Before the vote, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said “Every day, gun violence steals lives and scars communities — and this crisis demands urgent action. While we must do more, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is a step forward that will help protect our children and save lives”.
The bill was largely opposed by Republicans in the House, but is expected to be immediately signed by Biden.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell supported the bill, saying it “will help make these horrifying incidents less likely while fully upholding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens”.
The legislation will strengthen background checks for gun buyers who are under 21 years old.
It will also encourage states to pass red flag laws and closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole,” preventing romantic partners convicted of domestic violence from obtaining firearms.
Following the bill’s passing in the Senate, Biden said “after 28 years of inaction, bipartisan members of Congress came together to heed the call of families across the country and passed legislation to address the scourge of gun violence in our communities”.
“This bipartisan legislation will help protect Americans. Kids in schools and communities will be safer because of it,” he added.