The discussions were hung up over two key issues – the so-called “boyfriend loophole,” and providing funds to states that don’t implement red flag laws but instead have crisis intervention programs.
The “boyfriend loophole” refers to the fact that domestic abusers are prohibited from buying guns, but only if they’re married or have a longtime relationship with the victim, including having a child. Democrats have sought to expand this prohibition to cover dating partners, but Cornyn and Republicans have had concerns about how this is implemented.
However, there appears to have been some concessions by Democrats on both these issues, and the negotiations are moving forward again.
A source familiar with the talks said this about the state of the negotiations: “Staffs went back and forth all weekend. Members also communicated. Moving towards the finish line.”
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