The bill, which includes private gun sales within its purview, faces major opposition in the GOP-controlled Senate.

In a 240 to 190 vote on Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would mandate federal criminal background checks for all gun purchases, according to Politico.

Private transactions would also be included in what would be one of the most significant gun control measures in recent times.

But, as Politico noted, the bill faces major opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate.