Third Way Statement on Bipartisan Gun Deal

WASHINGTON — Third Way issued the following statement from Lanae Erickson, Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education & Politics, on Senator’s bipartisan gun safety deal.

“For the first time in 25 years, a group of Senators broke the logjam on commonsense gun reform. This tentative deal includes provisions that will strengthen background checks, improve gun safety, and encourage states to pass “red flag laws” that will temporarily seize firearms from dangerous individuals. It also includes a first-ever federal law banning “straw purchases” and gun trafficking—which we’ve pushed for more than a decade. And it would close loopholes in our background check system that will make Americans safer.

“While not as comprehensive as it should be, this is a major milestone that is worth celebrating. Progress is slow and hard-fought on gun safety despite overwhelming support for measures like universal background checks. The reforms outlined in this framework will make important strides and hopefully pave the way for additional reforms.

“We applaud Senator Murphy, Senator Cornyn, Senator Sinema, and Senator Tillis for leading these negotiations. We look forward to this bill being brought to the floor and moved to President Biden’s desk as soon as possible.”