Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Cruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish MORE (D-N.Y) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiDemocratic senator to party: 'A little message discipline wouldn't kill us' Overnight Health Care: New wave of COVID-19 cases builds in US | Florida to lift all coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars | Trump stirs questions with 0 drug coupon plan Overnight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds MORE (D-Calif.) are calling on President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE to support House-passed legislation that would strengthen background checks for gun buyers.

Pelosi and Schumer in a letter to Trump released Monday pointed to the recent spate of mass shootings across America as a reason why the legislation is needed.

“The American people are crying out for their elected representatives to stop the epidemic of murder and mayhem that is shattering families and communities across the country,” their letter states. “You are uniquely positioned to answer their call.”

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Congress is expected to make gun reform its top priority as it returns this week from summer recess, though both Pelosi and Schumer indicated they need Trump’s support to pass any meaningful legislation.

The letter noted that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellDemocratic senator to party: 'A little message discipline wouldn't kill us' House to vote on resolution affirming peaceful transition of power Republican lawyers brush off Trump's election comments MORE (R-Ky.) said earlier this month that “if the president took a position on a bill, so that we knew we would actually be making a law, and not just having serial votes, I'd be happy to put it on the floor.”

The two top Democrats urged Trump to defy the National Rifle Association (NRA) and support the legislation that would expand background checks to almost all gun buyers. The House passed the bill in February, but it has gone nowhere in the Senate.

“We implore you to seize this moment when your leadership and influence over Republicans in Congress on the issue of guns is so critical,” their letter reads. “Please do not squander it by acceding to NRA-backed proposals or other weak ideas that will do nothing to stop the continuing, horrific spread of gun violence and may, in some cases, actually make our communities less safe.”

Trump initially showed interest in taking up background checks following back-to-back mass shootings in Texas and Ohio that claimed more than 30 lives. He later softened his position, telling NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre that background checks for gun purchases are off the table.

Schumer and Pelosi are scheduled to hold a press conference Monday to discuss the pending legislation.