US Senate Gun Control Live Stream: Watch Debate Over Measures On Background Checks, Terrorism Watch List

In the aftermath of the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, that left 49 people dead and over 50 wounded, the U.S. Senate will debate several gun control amendments Monday. The amendments focus on the terrorism watch list, background checks and mental health.

Following years of mass shootings in the U.S., the Orlando attack marked the highest death toll in modern history when gunman Omar Mateen entered the Pulse nightclub and opened fire on patrons. A live stream of the Senate’s debate is available here and begins at 3 p.m. EDT.

With entrenched political opinions on gun control and the 2016 election looming, it remains unclear if the debate will bring about any changes. A series of roll call votes are expected to take place starting at 5:30 p.m. EDT, Politico reported. All proposals need 60 votes to move ahead.

As part of the debate, politicians will examine California Sen. Diane Feinstein’s draft measure that would prevent anyone listed on the federal terrorism watch list or other terror-related databases from purchasing any kind of firearms or explosives. The measure from the Democratic lawmaker failed to gain enough support following a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, in December 2015 that left 14 people dead, the New York Times reported.

Republicans have argued that Feinstein’s proposal is too wide-reaching and have put forth another proposal in response that would install a 72-hour review period for anyone on a terrorism watch list trying to purchase a firearm. The National Rifle Association has backed the proposal, arguing due process must be in place to remove people from watch lists who have been mistakenly placed on them.

“We’re going to take a deep breath and make sure that this is done correctly so that the policy of making sure that the authorities know, and have time to respond to, if a person who was on a terrorist watch list is trying to buy a gun, that they’re notified,” Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said on “Meet the Press” Sunday.

The Senate will also examine a measure put forward by Democratic Sen. Christopher Murphy of Connecticut that would tighten background checks on purchases of firearms over the internet and at gun shows. In response to Murphy’s measure, Republicans have put forth one that would increase funding to the National Instant Criminal Background Checks System and revise legal definitions regarding mental health and gun ownership.

“I’m in this for the long haul,” Murphy said. “I can’t tell you the response I’ve received from people who have never cared about this issue before.”