U.S. Senate fails to pass legislation to reduce gun violence

A bipartisan compromise to expand background checks for gun buyers, a ban on assault weapons and a ban on high-capacity gun magazines all failed to get the 60 votes needed under an agreement between both parties.

More than 50 senators — including a few Republicans, but lacking a handful of Democrats from more conservative states — had signaled their support for the gun bill, not enough to reach the 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster.

The assault weapons vote was 40 in favor and 60 against. The magazine ban fell with 46 in favor and 54 against.  A bipartisan amendment to impose stiff penalties on gun traffickers, which was supported by the National Rifle Association and expected to be adopted by voice vote, instead was defeated.