Grassley leading effort to develop new gun control proposal

A harsh critic of Democratic gun control proposals, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is leading a group of Republicans in writing their own proposal.

A spokeswoman declined to release any details because the measure is still being written.

“Senator Grassley, along with other concerned members, is putting together an alternative bill that addresses gun violence in a manner that doesn't violate the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens in contrast to what appears to be in the bill proposed by the majority leader,” said Beth Levine, the spokeswoman.

Grassley is the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which voted largely along party lines to forward four gun control measures to the full Senate.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has since said he would not include an assault weapons ban in the bill he plans to bring to the floor. However, a vote on an amendment pursuing the ban will likely be allowed.

Since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut, gun control advocates have been pushing for action. And opinion polls say the public is particularly supportive of expanded background checks for all gun purchases. That's one of the measures that cleared the Judiciary Committee.

Grassley has been critical of the assault weapons ban, as well as universal background checks. The Iowa senator has said he thinks the latter will lead to registration and confiscation of guns.

Grassley did vote in the committee for measures to try to stop straw purchases and to boost security at schools. It's not clear when his proposal will be made public. Politico first reported that he is drafting an alternative.

Also Thursday, President Barack Obama tried to refocus attention on the issue. He appeared at the White House with the mothers of gun victims and urged Congress to act, recalling the Sandy Hook shooting.

“Less than 100 days ago that happened, and the entire country was shocked,” he said. “And the entire country pledged we would do something about it and that this time would be different. Shame on us if we've forgotten. I haven't forgotten those kids. Shame on us if we've forgotten.”

The Democrats plan to bring their gun control proposals following the Easter recess.