Matthew McConaughey praises bipartisan gun violence proposal

Actor Matthew McConaughey expressed gratitude for the bipartisan gun violence proposal issued by senators on Sunday and said he was encouraged by the framework that could “save lives.”

“[My wife] Camila and I would like to specifically thank the Republican Senators who worked with their Democrat colleagues on this issue and the Democrats who allowed the Republicans the space to do so,” the actor and Hollywood heavy hitter wrote on his Instagram stories on Sunday, according to ABC News. “I hope we see the same in the House.”

The measure, backed by 10 Democrats and as many Republicans, outlines ways to improve school safety, address the types of mental health issues that could lead someone to commit such violence, and slightly increase scrutiny of a would-be assault rifle purchaser between age 18 and 21 by making any juvenile and mental health records relevant, among other provisions.

It was a landmark agreement given longstanding Republican opposition to taking any steps that could be perceived as infringing on Second Amendment rights.

“Let’s recognize that today’s announcement doesn’t mean we have a solution, but it does support more responsible gun ownership,” McConaughey said in the now-expired post, obtained by KVUE-TV. “There is still a lot of hard work for both parties, so let’s continue to encourage everyone at the table to act in good faith and give them our support to get this job done.”

About a week earlier he had appeared at the White House, pleading with politicians and President Biden to impose gun restrictions after the massacre at Robb Elementary School in his hometown of Uvalde, Texas.

In Sunday’s post, the actor offered “a firm handshake and a sincere ‘thank you’ to the members on both sides who came together and laid out this framework that can advance gun responsibility and save lives.”