Providence Journal photo / Kathy Borchers
A round-table discussion was held about the proposed changes to gun control laws with U.S. Rep David Cicilline, Sen Jack Reed, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Rep. James Langevin, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, Central Falls Mayor Diossa and others Tuesday at the Providence Public Safety Complex.
PROVIDENCE -- Weeks before gun legislation is expected to hit the U.S. Senate floor, Rhode Island's Congressional delegation urged a group of mayors, police chiefs, nonviolence advocates and mothers to keep pushing for action.
Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representatives James Langevin and David Cicilline told about two dozen people that they were determined to see legislation for gun safety go through -- but they needed the public's support.
"If the massacre in Newtown [Conn.] isn't enough, I don't know what is," Whitehouse said.
The Senate legislation includes stronger background checks, measures to combat illegal firearm trafficking, as well as school and campus safety enhancements.
The bill no longer includes a ban on assault weapons or high-capacity ammunition magazines. Whitehouse wants the ban in a separate amendment.