By David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – Thursday could see a rare bipartisan attempt in the U.S. Senate reach agreement on legislation that would address a wave a mass shootings. This will be a crucial moment as legislators decide if there is enough momentum for the drive to succeed.

Around a dozen senators led by Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Republican Senate John Cornyn tried to come up with a common plan for school security and mental health. They also wanted to keep guns away from criminals and those deemed dangerous to the general public.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (with his Republican counterpart Mitch McConnell) had both expressed hopes for an agreement at the end the week.

Aides and negotiators said that there were chances of coming to an agreement on principle. But, legislators would be able to see the potential for more discussions prior to leaving Washington on Thursday.

Cornyn said to reporters Wednesday that they would have a better idea of what the future holds after an informal meeting on potential legislation. Cornyn said that they would have an even better understanding of whether momentum is still present, something I strongly believe right now.

Murphy stated to reporters that his goal was to pass legislation which can stop the rising tide of gun deaths in America, before the Senate closes for the July Fourth holiday. “We must act quickly. This would be an historic, huge deal. We need to do it right. This is my top priority,” stated the Connecticut Democrat.

It comes in the wake of mass shootings at Buffalo, New York, Uvalde Texas, Tulsa Oklahoma and others.

Democrats and President Joe Biden called for increased gun ownership limits, which include a ban on assault-style semi-automatic rifles and high volume magazines. Also, they suggested raising the minimum age for buying such weapons to 21.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted on Wednesday on a package of partisan gun legislation with no chance of clearing the Senate.

Republicans have the Senate’s 100 seats split 50-50. They are determined to protect gun ownership rights. Legislation pertaining to guns needs 60 votes in order for it be passed. The negotiations aim to make relatively small changes but lawmakers believe they can still save lives.

Discussions about bolstering mental healthcare assistance and encouraging state “red flag laws” to prevent disturbed people from having guns have led to discussions on how to fund potentially billions without increasing federal deficit.

The lawmakers are discussing other provisions that would improve school security, such as more campus security officers and the addition of juvenile records to national background-check databases.