The Democratic-controlled House on Wednesday approved a measure requiring federal background checks for all firearms sales and transfers.
It’s the first major gun control legislation considered by Congress in nearly 25 years.
Among the Republicans who jumped across party lines to support the bill was 16th Dist. Congressman Vern Buchanan.
In a statement, Buchanan said “Our laws cannot be effective if there are gaping loopholes that allow criminals and deranged individuals to purchase firearms at gun shows or over the Internet without being subject to background checks.”