Congress appears poised to pass gun control legislation 6/13/22 Transcript

Mary: (00:00) This morning, Congress looks ready to pass the most important gun reform legislation on the federal level in more than three decades. Chris: (00:06) It comes following mass shootings in Texas and Buffalo and the outrage and protests that have followed. CBS News' John Dias here in studio this morning with more on this. John? John Dias: (00:14) Well, Chris and Mary, good morning to both of you. And after years of inaction to tightening gun laws, well things look like they could soon change. Gun reform advocates say though they aren't major alterations, but do represent some movement. It's an agreement that has Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer hopeful, and one that he says has taken decades to reach. Chuck Schumer: (00:35) For the first time in close to 30 years, Congress seems ready to reject the vice-like grip that the NRA has had on the Congress and move forward to meaningful gun legislation. John Dias: (00:47) Sunday, a bipartisan group of senators, including 10 Republicans, outlined modest gun reforms that could soon be voted on in Capitol Hill. With these select Republicans now backing it, it could advance in the Senate once introduced as legislation. Chuck Schumer: (01:03) If we can even save one life, one life, and this will save many more, it'll be well worth it. John Dias: (01:10) One of the lead negotiators, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, in a series of tweets announced, "We have a deal." The proposal includes enhanced background checks for gun buyers under 21, incentives for states to implement red flag laws, and funding for mental health services. In a written statement, the Senator said their plan saves lives while protecting the constitutional rights of law abiding Americans. Chris Murphy: (01:35) The world is watching what we do here. Enough is enough. John Dias: (01:40) The deal comes after massive pressure from gun reform activists across the country in the wake of the Buffalo and Uvalde shootings. Nick Suplina is with Every Town for Gun Safety, a group that was formed after the Sandy Hook school shooting. Nick Suplina: (01:55) We're showing that change is possible. And that's how you create hope, is through the determined work of advocates pushing for change. John Dias: (02:03) The NRA says it won't take a position on framework legislation, but governor Murphy already reacting to the agreement, saying "The ability of the gun lobby to block any and all common sense gun safety laws by its mere presence is waning." And in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul says, "This bipartisan agreement is a good start." And Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer is promising to put the bill on the floor as soon as possible once the legislative text is finalized, but it's a process that could take several weeks. Mary? Mary: (02:35) John Diaz. John, thank you.