WASHINGTON—The Senate began debate Tuesday on bipartisan legislation intended to curb gun violence, in what would represent the first major federal change to gun laws in decades.
Senators easily cleared the simple majority threshold required to advance the package, 64-34; final passage will need at least 60 votes. Debate on the proposed legislation is expected to continue through the week. Lawmakers who worked on the bill said they hope to have it pass the Senate before the chamber breaks next week for a two-week recess.
