Young, Braun split on key gun measure vote

WASHINGTON (WPTA and AP) - Indiana’s two U.S. senators split on Thursday in a vote that broke a filibuster and clears a package addressing gun-related issues to advance in Congress.

Sen. Todd Young voted with 14 other Republicans to end the filibuster; fellow Republican Sen. Mike Braun voted against.

The final tally -- 65 for and 34 against -- was enough to move the “Safer Communities Act” forward in the upper chamber of the legislature. Ohio Sen. Rob Portman was also among Republicans voting “aye.”

Senate bargainers had reached agreement Tuesday on a gun violence bill, potentially teeing up final passage by week’s end on an incremental but landmark package that would stand as Congress’ response to mass shootings in Texas and New York that shook the nation.

Lawmakers released the 80-page bill nine days after agreeing to a framework for the plan and 29 years after Congress last enacted major firearms curbs. Passage by the Democratic-led House could follow quickly advancement through the Senate.

The legislation would toughen background checks for the youngest firearms buyers, require more sellers to conduct background checks and beef up penalties on gun traffickers. It also would disburse money to states and communities to improve school safety and mental health initiatives.