Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) said that he will introduce gun control legislation to expand background checks on Monday after being pressured by a leading gun control organization.
The Hill reports that Schumer's proposed legislation would impose universal background checks, which would expand checks on gun show and online sale purchases.
Schumer appears to be bowing down to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which said it had over a thousand people call Schumer's office earlier on Monday morning. This comes after Schumer announced last fall that he would introduce such legislation, but has so far failed to do so.
The president of the Brady campaign, Dan Gross, both had praise for Schumer and a subtle warning for all Members of Congress who don't agree with them, including Democrats.
"This is a guy who’s not only on our side; he’s one of the great leaders on our side," Gross told The Hill. "But regardless of whether they’re Republican or Democrat, an ally or a foe, if we think there’s more they can be doing, we’re going to tell them."
Schumer also prominently announced his support for gun control legislation with actress Amy Schumer, a distant cousin of the Senator. Amy Schumer's film, Trainwreck, gained further national attention after a shooter opened fire on theatergoers in Louisiana. Two people were killed in that shooting. Both Schumers appeared around Capitol Hill to try to draw attention to their cause.
It is not expected that this legislation will advance in any meaningful way due both the House of Representatives and the Senate being controlled by the Republican Party. That would change if control of the Senate changes party hands after the 2016 elections, as Schumer is expected to be the next leader of the Senate Democratic caucus.