(LEX 18) — After a month-long break, U.S. Congress returned to session Monday with pressure to address gun control.
House democrats passed two gun measures this year, including one that deals with new background check requirements. However, it stalled in the Senate. Democratic leaders are urging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to finally put this bill to vote during the fall session.
McConnell has said that he's waiting to hear from President Donald Trump on the issue and told the Hugh Hewitt radio show he expects to get an answer this week.
On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to the president urging him to intervene and take the lead on gun violence legislation.
“Two people in Washington can make sure the background checks bill passes. Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell. It is totally up to them,” said Schumer. “Totally up to them and it is on their shoulders.”
“There isn't anyone in this institution or anywhere else in public life whose political survival is more important than the survival of our children and the safety of our communities,” said Pelosi.
The House Judiciary Committee is expected to mark up a series of Democratic-sponsored bills soon.
One would prevent individuals who are convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes from owning firearms, another would ban high-capacity ammunition magazines, and another one would prevent people who are considered a risk to themselves or others from accessing guns.
