Gun-control measures that once seemed destined to become law after the school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, are in jeopardy amid a fierce lobbying campaign by firearms advocates.
Despite months of intense negotiations, key senators have been unable to find a workable plan for near-universal background checks on gun purchases — an idea that polls show 9 in 10 Americans support.
Another provision that garnered bipartisan support — making gun trafficking a federal crime — could be gutted if Republican lawmakers accept new language being circulated by the National Rifle Association to water down the bill.