Senate Judiciary Chairman Says Gun Control Is ‘Top Priority’

Sen. Dick Durbin (D., Ill.) plans to make gun control a "top priority" for the Senate Judiciary Committee under his leadership.

After winning control of the committee chairmanship on Wednesday, Durbin said he had met with a group of activists and promised to prioritize action on guns.

"Today I had the chance to speak with a group of gun violence prevention advocates from across the country," Durbin tweeted. "I told them that reducing gun violence will be a top priority of the Senate Judiciary Committee. And I will never stop fighting for gun safety." 

Democrats enjoy a slim majority in the Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast tie-breaking votes, a partisan split that makes sweeping, new gun-control legislation difficult to pass. Durbin's control of the Judiciary Committee, however, will allow him to shape America's legal landscape. His ability to shepherd President Joe Biden's judicial nominees to federal courts could play a decisive role in numerous gun-rights cases. The committee also oversees federal law that regulates firearms, including the federal gun background check system.