Pro-gun Democrat leader Reid open to gun-law debate

WASHINGTON (AFP) - United States (US) lawmakers this week debate how to "change laws and culture" in order to prevent gun violence like last week's school shooting, the Senate's pro-gun Democratic leader said on Monday.

Majority Leader Harry Reid's comments were noteworthy given that he is the most senior pro-gun politician in the country to suggest he might be open to changes in licensing laws after the horrific crime in Newtown, Connecticut.

Mr Reid did not specifically address whether the chamber would consider new legislation to ban certain assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as has been proposed by prominent Democrat Dianne Feinstein.

But he left little doubt over how he sees Congress' responsibilities in the aftermath of Friday's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.