Background-Check Deal May Help End Gun-Show Exception

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An agreement between two U.S. senators to expand background checks of firearm purchasers boosts prospects that the Democratic-led Senate will pass a broader plan intended to curb gun violence.

The compromise between Republican Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a Democrat, means the Senate will agree to debate the measure, several Republican senators said. Majority Leader Harry Reid set a vote for 11 a.m. today on whether to advance the bill and said debate could stretch into the week of April 22.