Senators Poised To Ditch 'Universal' Background Checks

Total unenforceability appears to be an issue

Senators from both parties signaled Sunday that universal background checks could be the next gun measure to get shoved toward the legislative scrap heap or significantly watered down.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer, whose bill to expand background checks to cover virtually all gun transactions, including private sales, has cleared the Judiciary Committee, said he is nevertheless hunting for a compromise on the issue.

"I'm working very hard with both Democrats and Republicans, pro-NRA and anti-NRA people, to come up with a background check bill that will be acceptable to 60 senators and be very strong and get the job done," the New York Democrat said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "It's very hard. We're working hard, and I'm very hopeful that we can get this passed."