(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In the wake of the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, which left 19 children and two adults dead a mere ten days after a mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, Senate Democrats have signaled their intention to hold a major floor debate.
The two high-profile mass shootings in under two weeks have renewed pressure on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to bring gun control measures to the floor ahead of the July 4 recess, which could result in a partisan fight that may be tough on vulnerable Democrats up for reelection.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), chairman of the Judiciary’s Constitution Subcommittee, which held a series of hearings on gun violence last year, expressed the Democrats’ desire to push for a vote.
“We need to hold every member of the Senate accountable. Every one of us should be put on the record,” Blumenthal said.
Members of Congress are also under immense pressure to address gun violence after facing criticism for last having a serious debate on gun control in 2013, a year after 20 children and six staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, were killed in a horrific mass shooting.
Despite growing calls for stricter gun control legislation, many Democratic lawmakers have blamed the National Rifle Association (NRA) for being unable to move ahead with any meaningful legislation.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) noted that the school shooting was a sad commentary on the failure of “lawmakers to take any steps to make our children safe,” adding that “The NRA continues to hold this Congress by the throat.”
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) also vented his frustration that Congress hasn’t moved on passing background checks legislation, saying, “These are things that most gun owners want, and yet this rabid, god-damned NRA won’t let the Republicans move.”
