Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) who led the bi-partisan effort with Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) to present legislation to expand background checks on firearm purchases; says he is short the 60 votes need for the legislation to pass the Senate.

Here is a statement from Sen Manchin’s communication director, Johnathan Kott:

“Senator Manchin remains optimistic and hopeful that if Senators and the American people read the bill, they will support his commonsense approach to require criminal and mental background checks for advertised sales, including purchases at gun shows and online sales, without infringing on Americans’ Second Amendment rights … So far Senator Manchin has managed to garner support from an A-rated NRA member and three Republican Senators as well as 90 percent of his own party. With a record like that, I see no reason to bet against Senator Manchin today. He will continue to explain his bill to his colleagues and anyone with concerns until the minute they vote.”

Manchin and Toomey are still working to get the necessary votes and it’s believed they are not far from the 60 for passage, the bill was scheduled to be voted on at 4pm today.  More than likely the vote will be delayed until they have secured the 60 votes.

It’s shameful that it is so difficult to get the necessary votes on something everyone should agree on, the Manchin-Toomey Bill will not infringe on anyone’s rights to legally purchase firearms.  And for those worried about records being kept there is a provision in the bill that makes it a felony to use the records for a national database.

Here are some highlights from the Manchin-Toomey Bill:

• Closes the gun show loophole
• Allows for interstate firearm sales
• Precludes states from enforcing local gun laws when gun owners are transporting guns across state lines
• Imposes a 15-year prison term for any government official who keeps gun ownership records.

Let’s make this happen!!!

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!