The US Senate has failed to pass a gun control measure expanding background checks that had 90 percent popular support. The proposal prevented gun access for criminals and the mentally ill, and expanded existing background checks to gun shows and online sales on commercial gun sales (but not for sales between "friends and neighbors").

The Manchin-Toomey background check bill failed to get the 60 votes required on a motion to proceed; to overcome the threat of a filibuster. It only got 54-46 and so failed to advance. Only four Republicans voted for the proposal, with 41 voting against it. Five Democrats from the red states rejected the proposal as well. The main reason it failed is because the NRA has unrivaled political power.

That power means corruption in the form of receiving money from firearms lobbyists.