The US Senate passed a gun control bill, the first significant firearms legislation in 30 years.
In the upper chamber of Congress, fifteen Republicans and Democrats voted 65 to 33.
Two mass shootings last month killed 31 people in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas.
The House of Representatives must pass the bill before President Biden can sign it.
For the first time in decades, Democrats and Republicans have supported reforms.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: "This isn't a cure-all, but it's a long overdue step."
Taking no action is abdicating our responsibility as United States Senators.
"Red flag" laws that allow firearms to be removed from dangerous individuals are also encouraged.
Federal funding for mental health programs and school security improvements is $15 billion (£12.2 billion).
Gun sales are closed when unmarried intimate partners are convicted of abuse.
Democrat Chris Murphy and Republican John Cornyn of Texas co-led negotiations that led to the bill.
According to Cornyn, "I don't believe in doing nothing in the face of what we saw in Uvalde."