U.S. Sens. Young, Braun Balk At Universal Background Checks For Gun Sales

Both of Indiana’s U.S. Senators balk at support for universal background checks for all gun sales. That comes amid renewed debate over gun regulations in the wake of mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.

Federal background checks for gun purchases don’t apply to many sales, including online. Legislation approved by the U.S. House would greatly expand the number of sales required to go through background checks. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) won’t say whether he’d support that expansion.

“We are, of course, dealing with a constitutional right here, in the Second Amendment – recognizing that every single right has its limitations,” Young says.

Many gun regulation advocates want Congress to revive a federal ban on assault weapons. Sen. Mike Braun hinted he’s open to that possibility.

“We gotta do common sense things so that those of us that believe in the Second Amendment don’t have harsher restrictions that get put in place,” Braun says.

A recent study says mass shooting fatalities were 70% less likely to occur during the 10 years when a federal assault weapons ban was in place more than a decade ago. But Young says he doesn’t think the data shows renewing the ban would be effective.

Both Young and Braun have received campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association, which opposes such measures.