Washington, United States

In the United States, a bipartisan group of senators on Sunday (June 12) announced measures targeted to control the recent increase in gun violence in the country. They have chalked out a framework for new legislation. The group of 20 lawmakers said in a statement: "Today, we are announcing a commonsense, bipartisan proposal to protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country." 

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"Our plan increases needed mental health resources, improves school safety and support for students, and helps ensure dangerous criminals and those who are adjudicated as mentally ill can't purchase weapons," the statement added. 

The proposals include tougher background checks for gun buyers under 21 and increasing resources for states to keep weapons out of the hands of people who are dangerous to others or themselves. However, it is understood that proposal falls far short of the changes called for by the president. 

In the framework, the senators also called for increased investment in mental health services and school safety resources. They suggested including domestic violence convictions and restraining orders in the national background check database. 

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In the country, an increase in gun violence and mass killings has sparked renewed calls for reform of the nation's gun laws. Although gun attacks have become a common thing, but a recent mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas shocked the nation. The shooting at the school killed 21 people, including small children. 

US President Joe Biden last week called for new gun-control legislation. He further called for restrictions on semi-automatic rifles. "If we can't ban assault weapons as we should, we must at least raise the age to buy assault weapons to 21," he tweeted recently. 

He praised the announcement and urged lawmakers to pass it quickly. "Obviously, it does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction, and would be the most significant gun safety legislation to pass Congress in decades," he said in a statement. 

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"With bipartisan support, there are no excuses for delay, and no reason why it should not quickly move through the Senate and the House," he added. 

(With inputs from agencies)

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