Republicans rammed a bill through the House on Wednesday that would make it easier for gun owners to legally carry concealed weapons across state lines, the first significant action on guns in Congress since mass shootings in Nevada and Texas killed more than 80 people.
The House approved the bill, 231-198, largely along party lines. Six Democrats voted yes, while 14 Republicans voted no.
The measure would allow gun owners with a state-issued concealed-carry permit to carry a handgun in any state that allows concealed weapons. It now goes to the Senate.
The latest fallout from Britain's vote to leave the European Union is the looming possibility of Scottish independence, NBC News reported.
Scotland's leader said Monday she is seeking a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom as early as next year, following a failed attempt to withdraw in 2014.
But that was before Britain voted for "Brexit," triggering complicated negotiations over its exit from the trading bloc. Scotland was against Brexit, however, and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she has encountered a "brick wall of intransigence" in dealing with the British government over the terms for withdrawal.
Sturgeon said she will seek the constitutional authority to hold a new referendum by early 2019. U.K. Prime Minster Theresa May replied that Sturgeon's Scottish National Party showed "regrettable" tunnel vision in seeking the vote.
