Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said top Democrats are in 'discussions' on an amendment. House Dems consider guns action

House Democrats are considering attaching an amendment to an appropriations bill that would force stricter background checks for gun purchases.

Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said top Democrats are in “discussions” on an amendment but have not decided what the language would say specifically.


He said the amendment would likely be an effort to strike the “prohibition on requiring gun sellers to report on multiple sales on assault-type weapons.”

( Also on POLITICO: Giffords responds to Calif. shootings)

“That’s going to be discussed,” Hoyer said on Wednesday. An amendment “is possible.”

The move comes less than a week after Elliot Rodger went on a rampage in California, shooting three people to death, stabbing three others to death and wounding a dozen more before apparently killing himself.

Rodger purchased his guns legally but was reportedly receiving treatment from psychologists.

Democrats have repeatedly called for tougher enforcement on guns after mass shootings, including the incident where then-Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) was targeted, but no legislation has gained significant momentum.

Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, said he was not hopeful Congress would ultimately act.

“I continue to hope so, but I continue not to have high expectations because of past performance,” Hoyer said of chances that Congress could pass “meaningful” legislation on background checks.