Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is overseeing a hearing on gun control Wednesday.
Leahy says the killing of elementary school students in Newtown, Connecticut, persuades him that it’s time to strengthen the system of background checks for gun purchasers.
"Why should we not try to plug the loopholes in the laws that allows them to buy guns without background checks? It’s a simple matter of common sense. And if we agree that the background checks system is worthwhile, shouldn’t we try to improve it’s content and use it so it can be more effective. What responsible gun owner objects to improving the background check system? " Leahy said.
Current law requires anyone buying a gun from a dealer to have a background check. But people who buy guns from private dealers at gun shows don’t need a background check.
Leahy didn’t say if he would support banning the sale and manufacture of certain types of guns or large ammunition magazines.