The issue of gun control has been a highly contested issue in American politics for decades, with no resolution in sight. However, in recent years bipartisan talks have been more successful in producing federal gun-control legislation. This article will address how bipartisan gun-control talks actually succeed.
What Do We Mean by Bipartisan Gun-Control Talks?
Bipartisan gun-control talks typically refer to discussions or negotiations between two or more political parties that focus on various aspects of gun control policy. Gun-control talks could include conversations between members of the Democratic and Republican parties, within a state legislature, or among representatives of various gun-control advocacy groups.
The History of Bipartisan Gun-Control Talks in the United States
Bipartisan gun-control talks have been occurring for decades in the United States. In the aftermath of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and other mass shootings in the 1960s, public opinion in favor of gun-control laws began to shift. In 1968, the Gun Control Act was passed, which banned mail-order rifles and shotguns and restricted the sale of firearms to people under 18. In 1994, the assault weapons ban was passed and extended in 2004, which outlawed certain semi-automatic firearms and limited magazine capacity.
What Is Different About Recent Bipartisan Gun-Control Talks?
Recent gun-control discussions have seen a shift towards bipartisan and cross-party cooperation. Organizations such as Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety have been pushing for stronger gun-control laws and pressuring lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to come together and find common ground. Several states, including Connecticut, Colorado and Massachusetts, have passed gun-control legislation in recent years with bipartisan support.
The Impact of Recent Bipartisan Gun-Control Talks
The increased level of bipartisan talks on gun-control in recent years has yielded tangible results. In 2018, several U.S. states enacted “red flag” laws, which allow family members or law enforcement officers to obtain court orders to confiscate guns from people deemed to be a risk to themselves or others. Additionally, several federal gun-control laws have been proposed in Congress with bipartisan support, such as the “Metal Armor and Armor Piercing Ammunition Revision Act,” which would ban armor-piercing bullets and expand background checks. Gun-control advocates attribute this progress to the increased partisanship between members of Congress.
Factors Contributing to the Success of Gun-Control Talks
Bipartisan discussions on gun-control, and the success that has recently been achieved, are largely attributed to several key factors.
• Increased public support for gun-control legislation – One factor that has contributed to the success of gun-control talks is an increase in public support for stricter laws. A Gallup poll in 2018 showed that 67 percent of Americans disapprove of Congress’ lack of action on gun-control and 68 percent support stricter gun-control laws.
• Greater public awareness of gun violence – In recent years, the issue of gun violence has been brought to the forefront of the American public’s consciousness, particularly after several high-profile mass shootings. This increased attention has raised awareness of the need for stricter gun-control legislation and has put pressure on lawmakers to take action.
• A bipartisan opening – Another key factor in the success of gun-control talks is the willingness of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to work towards common ground. Organizations such as the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and Everytown For Gun Safety have worked to engage legislators across party lines on the issue of gun control and to build bridges that facilitate collaboration.
Bipartisan gun-control talks have been more successful in recent years in producing meaningful legislation to address gun violence in America. This success is attributed to public opinion, increased public awareness of gun violence, and a bipartisan opening among legislators to work towards common ground. It remains to be seen if the recent progress in gun-control talks will continue, but it is clear that a shift in public opinion and a bipartisan willingness to discuss the issue are helping to make a difference.
