Sen. Joe Manchin, (D-W.V.) and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) reached a tentative compromise on requiring background checks for all gun sales Tuesday, sources said.
The senators were set to announce the agreement at a news conference Wednesday.
The deal focuses on which records of background checks will be kept. That's been a concern for Republicans concerned the records will lead to creation of a national registry of guns.
Under the agreement, records of background checks run for guns sold in venues like gun shows or online would be kept. Records of background checks run for many private gun sales would not be kept, aides said.
The agreement will boost hopes that a background check deal and accompanying gun control measures like federal gun trafficking statute will at least pass the Senate.
Support from the two senators is expected to provide cover for fence-sitting senators in both parties to support the compromise.
The senators were set to announce the agreement at a news conference Wednesday.
The deal focuses on which records of background checks will be kept. That's been a concern for Republicans concerned the records will lead to creation of a national registry of guns.
Under the agreement, records of background checks run for guns sold in venues like gun shows or online would be kept. Records of background checks run for many private gun sales would not be kept, aides said.
The agreement will boost hopes that a background check deal and accompanying gun control measures like federal gun trafficking statute will at least pass the Senate.
Support from the two senators is expected to provide cover for fence-sitting senators in both parties to support the compromise.