Harry Reid says Senate should openly discuss gun control
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has been a major blockade for gun-control legislation in the past, said Monday that it’s time the country renews the debate in the wake of the Connecticut elementary school shootings.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will engage in a meaningful conversation and thoughtful debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow,” Mr. Reid, Nevada Democrat, said as he opened Monday’s session of the Senate.
Reid has been a supporter of gun rights, including voting in 2004 against renewal of the so-called assault weapons ban.
“I believe part of that healing process will require Congress to examine what can be done to prevent more tragedies like the ones in Newtown, Conn.; Aurora, Colo.; Oak Creek, Wis.; and Portland, Ore.,” Reid said, referring to other recent mass slayings.
“As President Obama said last night, no one law can erase evil. No policy can prevent a determined madman from committing a senseless act of violence,” he said. “But we need to accept the reality that we are not doing enough to protect our citizens.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will engage in a meaningful conversation and thoughtful debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow,” Reid said. “We have no greater responsibility than keeping our most vulnerable and most precious resource — our children — safe. And every idea should be on the table as we discuss how best to do just that.”
Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont Democrat and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, promised to lead hearings on the status of laws but said other Senate committees need to step up to the plate to look at issues such as mental health concerns.
