Biden says 'rational Republicans' offer hope for gun legislation

President Joe Biden on Monday said he believes there’s a “realization” among “rational Republicans” that the nation “can’t continue like this,” after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Texas.

Biden, speaking to reporters after his return to the White House, was asked if he believes talks between Republicans and Democrats could produce bipartisan gun legislation after the latest tragedy. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell tapped Texas Sen. John Cornyn to work with Democrats on the legislation.

“I don’t know, but I think there’s a realization on the part of rational Republicans — and I consider Sen. McConnell a rational Republican, and Cornyn is as well,” Biden said. “I think there’s a recognition on their part … that we can’t continue like this. We can’t do this.”

There’s growing pressure on Washington to act after two deadly mass shootings rocked the nation this month. Lawmakers have projected mild optimism about reaching a compromise despite multiple failed attempts to pass gun reform legislation over the past decade.

An emotional Biden visited the grieving cities of Buffalo, N.Y., and Uvalde, Texas, less than two weeks apart. On Sunday in Texas, a crowd stood outside of the Catholic church where the president attended mass, chanting, “Do something!”

“We will,” Biden responded.

The president did address his limitations on Monday, telling reporters he knows he has a responsibility and that he will continue implementing changes through executive action.

“But I can’t outlaw a weapon,” Biden said. “I can’t, you know, change the background checks.”

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who has been at the forefront of Democrats’ push for gun legislation since the Sandy Hook shooting left 26 dead in 2012, has said he is hopeful some limited but meaningful measures could be passed.

“I’m at the table in a more significant way right now with Republicans and Democrats than ever before,” Murphy said Sunday on ABC’s "This Week."

Murphy laid out a few areas Sunday where he thought the parties might reach a deal, including red flag laws, increased background checks, safe storage requirements, mental health resources and more security money for schools.

Senators will continue talks while on Memorial Day recess, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said his chamber will address the legislation when lawmakers return on June 6.