“Last December I promised the families a meaningful conversation about how to change America’s culture of violence,” Reid said. “I want everyone within the sound of my voice to know that the conversation is not over.

“The American people will prevail on this issue.”

Reid did not lay out a specific timetable for action in the Senate, but said 85 percent of Americans agree on limiting gun availability to people with criminal backgrounds or with a mental illness.

“Why should someone that has severe mental illness and someone who is a criminal be able to purchase a gun? They shouldn’t,” he said. “Those that are trying to stop that legislation from going forward should be embarrassed and ashamed of themselves.”