Congress’ new firearm legislation may do little to stop mass shootings but may mark a turning point in addressing gun violence

Following mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas, the US Congress proposed and passed the first meaningful firearms legislation in decades, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Matthew Lang gives an overview of the bill’s provisions, including enhancements to background checks, red flag laws, and greater investment for mental health services and school safety. He writes that while the legislation may do little to reduce the number of mass shootings, it may mark a turning point, breaking the long-standing Congressional deadlock on measures to address gun violence.