By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters] -The U.S. Senate Republicans voted against the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act. This bill, which Democrats consider a response to a white extremist’s killing of 10 Black persons this month and a possible gateway to a gun regulation bill, was blocked by Congress.

The bill that authorizes federal agencies to jointly monitor and report on domestic terrorist activity in the United States was rejected by senators two days after the mass murder of 19 children and their teachers in a Texas school.

Republicans argued that the legislation wasn’t necessary, as Democratic President Joe Biden had already the authority to direct his response to violent extremism.

Democrats claimed the bill was required to strengthen the federal government’s response to increasing incidents of violent extremeism here at home.

It was not surprising that the outcome ended in a no-action on immediate legislation regarding gun-control to stop the rise of mass shootings within the United States. The Senators had to depart Washington for a week-long Memorial Day holiday.

Recent mass shootings have prompted a lot of debate in Congress about how to deal with gun violence. However, Congress has not taken any action since the parties are so divided regarding gun rights. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday showed that only 35% of Americans believe Congress can solve this problem.

Last week’s domestic terror bill was passed by the House of Representatives along party lines. It came after an avowed white supremacist gunman killed the 10 Black men in the livestreamed attack at the Buffalo grocery store in Buffalo on May 14.

The possibility of bipartisan legislation by Democrats and Republicans has been discussed in the Senate. It would address the increasing tide of mass shootings across the United States.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 79% of Americans, including 78% Republicans, are more inclined to vote for a candidate who supports red flag laws.

Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, stated that at most five Democratic legislators including Senator Chris Murphy reached out to Republicans to discuss possible measures regarding gun safety and school safety.

Murphy, who is a prominent advocate for gun control, said that talks with Republicans would be held on Thursday, and will continue into next week. The chances of the Senate passing any legislation to limit guns are very slim.

Schumer stated on the Senate floor that “none of us is under any illusions” that it would be simple. He also accused Republicans of being trapped in the “vice grip,” of the U.S. firearm lobby. However, he said: “We have to give it some time to try.”

To meet the 60 vote threshold, most bills will be passed by the Senate’s 100-seat split 50-50. Gun legislation needs 10 Republican votes.

Republicans are generally opposed to gun restrictions, and rather assert the right to bear arms as protected under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Schumer took the first steps towards a vote on legislation that tightens background checks for gun purchasers, if bipartisan talks fail.