Gun Debate Advances as Toomey Brokers Deal

The U.S. Senate is poised to open debate on gun-control legislation after a compromise brokered by Sen. Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

Some Republican senators had been threatening to obstruct a push, endorsed by President Obama, to tighten firearm restrictions. CNN reported the Toomey-Manchin deal involves adding background checks at gun shows and on Internet sales. Philly.com described how the deal came together.

Senate Democrats plan to open bill discussion Thursday. The national debate over gun control has gained more prominence since the December school shootings in Newtown, CT.

Patch will update readers as the Senate discussion takes shape.

What do you think of Toomey's role in the debate on this issue? What should Congress change, if anything, about gun control? Please tell us in the comments section below.