Pelosi vows to press "Moscow Mitch" on gun legislation

"Moscow Mitch says that he is the grim reaper," Pelosi said of McConnell's refusal to take up a series of bills approved by Democrats in the House.

"All of this legislation is alive and well," Pelosi countered to applause, as she said that 'high capacity magazines should be eliminated as well.'

"We can, we should, we must act to address the gun violence epidemic in this country," said Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE).

Politico reported that White House aides would go to the President's golf retreat in New Jersey in coming days to discuss the issue of gun legislation - but at this point there is nothing scheduled in the Senate.

Still, there were signs of discussions, as President Trump said Tuesday that he had a conversation with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), one of the prime supporters of expanded background checks legislation.

But there was no hint of a new deal on guns, as one GOP Senator who was in Washington on Tuesday - Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) - gave no indication that Republicans were anywhere near accepting new federal legislation on 'Red Flag' laws.

"It has to be something which is effective, and will actually withstand Second Amendment challenges," Rounds told reporters at the U.S. Capitol.

Often, Rounds will often stop and talk to reporters in the Capitol at length - but on this occasion, it was obvious the South Dakota Republican wanted to get back to his office right away, as he hopped into a waiting elevator, and then on the underground subway.