Excerpt
GWEN IFILL (Newshour): In the wake of a rush to action in state capitals around the country, the gun debate could reach critical mass in Washington this week. But it's still unclear how it will sort itself out.
Stepping up his push for new federal gun legislation, President Obama took his argument today to Hartford, Connecticut, not far from the site of December's Newtown shootings, where 26 people were killed.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: And, Newtown, we want you to know that we're here with you. We will not walk away from the promises we have made.
We are as determined as ever to do what must be done. In fact, I'm here to ask you to help me show that we can get it done.
GWEN IFILL: Congress returned to Washington today facing contentious debate on measures that would include tougher penalties for gun trafficking and more money for school safety -- already off the table, a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips.
Instead, much of the behind-the-scenes negotiation has focused on whether gun buyers should be subject to background checks and whether those sales must be recorded. But everyone is not on board. At least 13 Republican lawmakers led by Senator Rand Paul are threatening to stop any new law that would diminish citizens' right to self-defense.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid complained about the filibuster threat today.
SEN. HARRY REID, D-Nev.: Many Senate Republicans seem afraid to even engage in this debate. Shame on them, Madam President. The least Republicans owe the parents of these 20 little babies who were murdered at Sandy Hook is a thoughtful debate about whether stronger laws could have saved their little girls and boys. The least Republicans owe them is a vote.
GWEN IFILL: Behind the scenes, Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey and West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin are working to forge a bipartisan deal on background checks, but that deal has proven elusive.
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