June 24, 2022

ICYMI: Manchin Votes for Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Washington, DC – Last night, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which passed 65-33. Senator Manchin also spoke on the Senate Floor about the bipartisan legislation.

“If you can't, as a parent, or grandparent send your child off to school, knowing full well they're going to return home safe. If you have that doubt in your mind, and that child has that doubt, and they're scared to go to school, then something is wrong with our system in America…But the bottom line is, we have got to take a position that we're going to protect our children, this is what it's about. It's the child protection bill, as far as I'm concerned,” said Senator Manchin. “And if you can't protect the children in America, if you can't protect the children in your neighborhood, in your school system, that go to school, the same school as your children and grandchildren, then God help us all. I’m proud to vote for this critical bipartisan legislation and I look forward to the House of Representatives passing the bill quickly and President Biden signing it into law soon.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will:
  • Support state crisis intervention orders
  • Increase protections for victims of domestic violence
  • Clarify definition of ‘federally licensed firearms dealer’
  • Enhance background check process for 18-21 year olds
  • Increase penalties for ‘straw purchasing’
  • Support violence interruption funding
  • Invest in children and family mental health services
  • Increase funding for school safety
To watch Senator Manchin’s floor speech, click here.
Background one pager on the bill can be found here.
Bill text can be found here.