In the aftermath of multiple mass shootings, there has been a mix of calls for action and small steps in Congress toward attempts to reduce gun violence, Axios reports. CEOs of more than 220 U.S. companies are calling on the Senate to "take immediate action" to reduce gun violence. This is the latest example of corporate America delving into a hot-button issue where solutions often break down along partisan lines. The companies employ workers in all 50 states, and include Levi Strauss & Co., Dick's Sporting Goods, and Lyft. Professional sports teams are on the list. The letter was organized by Levi Strauss & Co., and gun control advocacy group Everytown. It calls gun violence a "public health crisis" and highlights the economic impact of the issue. The letter does not endorse any policy proposals, or make any new ones.
On Wednesday, the House voted 223-204 to pass a package of gun control bills. The "Protecting Our Kids Act" is unlikely to get 60 votes to break a filibuster in the Senate. The bills would raise the legal purchasing age for semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21 and ban the import, sale, manufacture, transfer or possession of large-capacity magazines, among other provisions. The legislation would establish requirements to regulate the storage of firearms on residential premises and create criminal penalties for violations. With the bill likely to fail in the Senate, a bipartisan group of senators are ifocusing their efforts on crafting a gun deal that can pass the chamber - even if it means compromising. "We know we're not going to get everything we want," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).