Tuesday, The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would expand background checks across the country for nearly all gun purchases.
Our Nick Perreault spoke with both the mayor and gun rights supporters, on what this could mean for the future of gun control and those who choose to carry.
The mayor of Lansing says it's the most basic form of protection for American citizens.
"I think this is an issue Nick where the American people are ahead of the politicians, I think it's stunning that there would be any debate about a background check to make sure we are not selling guns to criminals," Mayor Virg Bernero said.
A 10-8 vote by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will now push a bill to the senate floor, if approved it would require background checks for every gun purchase.
"No matter where you buy the gun their should be a background check, we shouldn't be putting guns in the hands of criminals, background checks work," Bernero said.
But Phillip Hofmeister, the President of Michigan Open Carry says that could lead to more issues for legal gun owners.
"Throughout history we have seen that registration systems have lead to confiscation," said Michigan Open Carry President Phillip Hofmeister.
Hofmeister says Michigan already requires background checks for hand-guns and it doesn't work.
"If universal registration works than why are people still having illegal firearms in the metro Detroit area, it really only punishes law abiding gun owners," Hofmeister said.
The mayor says he supports the 2nd amendment, but to him it's pretty simple.
"It's become to liberal, the guns are too liberal and their too lethal," Mayor Bernero said.
Mayor Bernero is one of 30 mayors across the country in a new nationwide public service announcement urging congress to pass stricter gun laws and says this vote is a step in the right direction.
"We need to provide safety in our streets for our police, there is no need, no rationale for cop killer bullets, other than profits for the armed industry."
And the mayor along with others across the country say those profits shouldn't trump safety and common sense.
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