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Gun Control Bill Clears First Hurdle In Senate

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A 30-round magazine, left, and a 10-round magazine, right, rest below an AR-15 rifle at the Ammunition Storage Component company in New Britian, Conn., Wednesday, April 10, 2013. In the wake of Connecticut lawmaker's vote to ban high-capacity magazines after their passage of restrictive gun control law, the U.S. Senate is debating gun control legislation. (Charles Krupa/AP)
A 30-round magazine, left, and a 10-round magazine, right, rest below an AR-15 rifle at the Ammunition Storage Component company in New Britian, Conn., Wednesday, April 10, 2013. In the wake of Connecticut lawmaker's vote to ban high-capacity magazines after their passage of restrictive gun control law, the U.S. Senate is debating gun control legislation. (Charles Krupa/AP)

Gun control supporters have won the first Senate showdown over restricting firearms, rejecting an effort by conservatives to derail a package of gun curbs before debate could even begin.

The 68-31 vote gave an initial burst of momentum to efforts by President Barack Obama and lawmakers, mostly Democrats, to impose gun restrictions following the December carnage at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

Gun control supporters needed 60 votes to block the conservatives.

The legislation would subject more firearms buyers to federal background checks, strengthen laws against illicit gun trafficking and increase school safety aid. Advocates say the measures would make it harder for criminals and the mentally ill to get weapons.

Opponents say the restrictions would violate the Constitution's right to bear arms and would be ignored by criminals.

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This segment aired on April 11, 2013.

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