Schumer, Pelosi demand McConnell cancel August recess
“In February, the new Democratic House Majority promptly did its duty and passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, which is supported by more than 90 percent of the American people and proven to save lives. However, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has called himself the ‘grim reaper’ and refuses to act on this bipartisan legislation. It is incumbent upon the Senate to come back into session to pass this legislation immediately,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said in a joint statement Monday.
One of the bills would establish new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties. The other bill would extend the review period for the FBI to complete its background checks for gun purchases from three days to 10 days.
President Donald Trump has threatened to veto both measures.
The Democrats’ joint statement came just moments after Trump wrapped remarks in which he addressed the two fatal shootings.
In those remarks, Trump condemned “white supremacy” and cited the threat of “racist hate.”
