US House passes gun control bill after Buffalo and Uvalde shootings


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The US House of Representatives passed a sweeping gun control bill in response to the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, that would raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic rifles and ban the sale of high-capacity magazines.

The bill, which was passed mostly along party lines, has almost no chance of becoming law as politicians in Congress's upper chamber continue discussions on more modest proposals. But the House vote will give Democrats a chance to show US voters where they stand on gun control policies.

“We can’t save every life, but my God, shouldn’t we try?” asked Veronica Escobar, a Democratic representative from Texas.

“America, we hear you and today in the House, we are taking the action you are demanding.

“Take note of who is with you and who is not.”

Wednesday night's vote came after members of Congress heard gut-wrenching testimony from the shooting victims and family members, including 11-year-old Miah Cerrillo, who described the horrific scenes of a teenage gunman murdering her teacher and classmates at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

“[The gunman] told my teacher 'goodnight' and shot her in the head,” Miah told a House panel in pre-recorded statement.

“And then he shot some of my classmates and the white board.”

Previous efforts by Congress to pass meaningful gun legislation have failed in the past, but the recent killing of 19 children and two teachers at the Texas primary school has prompted renewed efforts from both parties to act.

“It’s sickening, it’s sickening that our children are forced to live in this constant fear,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The House bill also includes provisions for increased gun storage devices and creates penalties for those who breach safe storage requirements. It also bans “bump stock” devices and “ghost guns” that can be assembled without serial numbers.

Ms Pelosi said the House vote would “make history by making progress”. But it’s unclear where the House measure will go after Wednesday’s vote, given that Republicans were adamant in their opposition.

In the Senate, a bipartisan group of senators are seeking to strike a deal on gun legislation that would strengthen school security, improve mental health resources and enact “red flag” laws to keep firearms away from people who could harm themselves or others.

Chris Murphy, the US senator leading Democratic efforts in negotiations, said his aim was to pass the legislation before the Senate's July 4 recess.

“We need to move expeditiously. But this would be a big, historic deal and we need to get it right. That's my priority,” Mr Murphy said.

The bill would need the support of at least 10 Republicans to pass in the divided Senate and become law.

Members of Congress, including House Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican leader Mitch McConnell, have signalled that they could reach an agreement by week's end.

News agencies contributed to this report

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

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Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal 

Rating: 2/5

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Updated: June 09, 2022, 2:08 PM`