Nicole Gaudiano

USA TODAY

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders marked a quiet return to the Senate Monday to vote in favor of Democratic gun measures in the wake of the June 12 mass shooting at a nightclub in Florida.

The Vermont senator, accompanied by his wife Jane and Secret Service agents, declined to speak to reporters inside the Capitol -- “not now,” he said -- and instead issued a statement on the legislation he co-sponsored. He called the measures to ban gun sales to suspected terrorists and expand background checks for gun buyers “no brainers” and “common sense.”

“In light of the terrible tragedies that have taken place in Orlando and other cities, it’s not very hard to understand that terrorists or potential terrorists, criminals and the dangerously mentally ill should not have access to guns,” Sanders said in the statement. “We have got to do everything we can to stop guns from falling into the hands of people who should not have them.”

The votes were the first he has cast since January. Sanders voted against two Republican gun control measures that were less restrictive than the Democratic proposals. Each of the four measures failed.

Sanders appeared in good spirits as he visited with his colleagues, flashing big smiles and giving out hugs.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Sanders’ former partner on Veterans Affairs legislation, wrapped his arm around Sanders in a side hug and a smiling Sanders draped his arm around McCain’s shoulders and shook his hand. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “You’re back!” she said.

Sanders could be seen from the Senate gallery shaking his head and nodding as he spoke at length with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the only senator who endorsed Sanders’ presidential bid.

Sanders remains a candidate for the Democratic nomination, although Hillary Clinton has secured enough delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination and the primary season has ended.