The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to begin voting on assault weapons ban and other laws meant to increase gun control next week. The chairman, Senator Patrick Leahy, has said that the larger proposed pieces of legislation that the committee will consider are:
-A ban on assault weapons and ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
-Increase in the severity of federal penalties for illegal trafficking of guns, including up to 30-year sentences for people buying firearms they know will be used in crimes.
-Increasing federal grants for school safety measures such as installing surveillance equipment.
The committee will also vote on legislation for requiring universal background checks for all gun sales, a measure that has so far garnered the broadest base of support. The panel is scheduled to start voting next Thursday, but the most prominent Republican on the committee, Senator Charles Grassley, said he would request a one week delay.
“It’s just a process of making sure we have plenty of time to study,” Grassley said.
