The Senate is set to vote on the Manchin-Toomey background check legislation Wednesday around 4 P.M., according to a Democratic leadership aide — a moment of truth for the centerpiece of Congress’s efforts to curb gun violence.
As of Tuesday it remained unclear whether the Manchin-Toomey measure had the necessary 60 votes to pass. Democrats have been considering new carve-outs in an effort to win over skeptical conservative senators.
As of roughly 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) told TPM they were working hard to secure the votes but appeared less than certain the bill would pass.
It’s the first of nine amendments that Democratic and Republican leaders agreed to hold votes on as part of the gun legislation filed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Other amendments include a Democratic bill to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips, and a GOP measure to ensure that a concealed carry permit obtained in one state applies to all states.
