Democratic Sen. Mark Warner (Va.) said Sunday that, "in this era of fake news and disinformation," the "genuineness" of the students promoting gun control across the U.S. on Saturday bodes well for passing tougher gun restrictions.
CBS host Margaret Brennan asked Warner on "Face the Nation" if the bipartisan measures to tighten background checks for gun purchases included in the omnibus spending bill passed Friday will be the only congressional action on guns this year.
"I hope not," Warner said. "There was finally some incremental movement, but in this era of fake news and disinformation, to see the genuineness of all those young people, I think this time it's going to be different."
Warner was referring to the large number of students who rallied in Washington, D.C. and across the country for the "March for Our Lives" protest to demand tougher gun-control measures.
Warner praised their "demand for sensible gun control," and said he thinks Congress can "actually get it done."
The Virginia senator has not always been known as a gun-control supporter.
Brennan reminded Warner that he voted against an assault-weapons ban in 2013 and against a cap on high-capacity magazines in 2014.
"Have you changed your position?" she asked.
"I think it's time to change our positions and reexamine," Warner responded, adding that he has always supported universal background checks.
He then said there should be a debate on those issues he previously voted against.
"It's time for us to have a legitimate debate about restrictions on gun magazines and assault weapons," Warner said.