Gun control measures face an uphill battle

The Senate this week will take up a series of gun control bills that have all failed in similar form in the past, but have been given new life following the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla.

While Democrats hope public support for more gun control in the wake of the latest shooting will provide momentum for their legislation, their proposals are likely to be blocked by Republicans and stand little chance of consideration in the GOP-led House.

Republicans, similarly, have failed to win approval for alternatives to Democratic gun control proposals, because Democrats believe the GOP measures are too weak.

Significant gun legislation has failed to gain any real traction in more than two decades, thanks to bipartisan opposition.

Democrats are nonetheless hoping the Orlando shooting, in which 50 were killed, including the shooter, and more than 50 injured, has created new political impetus for advancing their long-stalled gun control agenda.