US senators open landmark debate on gun control laws

The US Senate has opened a debate on a proposal to expand criminal background checks on firearms buyers after gun control supporters defeated an effort by conservatives to derail proposals to restrict sales.

The move marks the most serious consideration of gun control legislation in America for 19 years, although many hurdles remain before any changes are passed into law.

The 68-31 vote yesterday to hold the debate gave momentum to efforts by President Barack Obama and legislators to push fresh gun curbs through Congress, in response to the December massacre at Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut, in which 20 children and six teachers were killed.

However, the National Rifle Association, a leading gun advocacy group — along with many Republicans and some moderate Democrats — claims the proposals go too far.

Yesterday, Democrat Joe Manchin and Republican Patrick Toomey proposed a compromise on federal background checks, which would require them to be made at gun shows and online transactions but would exempt personal transactions.

This will be voted on next week, on Tuesday, but amendments to ban assault weapons and restrict the size of ammunition clips are unlikely to be passed.