House weighs barring anyone under 21 from buying semi-automatic rifle

The gunman who killed 21 children and teachers at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school last week bought two AR-15-style semi-automatic rifles days after his 18th birthday. A House bill being voted on this week would have prevented the sale by barring anyone under 21 from purchasing that type of firearm nationwide.

The proposal to raise the minimum age to a semi-automatic rifle is part of a larger gun control package the House Judiciary Committee is expected to pass Thursday. The bill also includes efforts to limit third-party sales of guns and to stop the distribution of untraceable firearms.

The Democratic-led effort is unlikely to pass the Senate where Republicans can block gun legislation and have indicated they will not support major gun reform. Even though Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wants GOP lawmakers to work with Democrats on gun measures "directly related" to the Uvalde shooting, few expect the Kentucky Republican to back a raise in the minimum age.