Both suggested a vote next week, to be preceded by several days of floor debate.

Senate Republicans were eager to point that out in today's floor debate.

But whether it will be able to sustain its message in the weeks leading to the floor debate is another question.

He will also be in charge of managing the floor debate for the Republican side.

No one has any answer," he said in floor debate.

For more information, see the floor debate about this issue.

That will be the first floor debate on gun control in either chamber of Congress this year.

"We are not at all fearful of a floor debate," he said.

The floor debate could take weeks, lawmakers and aides say.

The rules for the floor debate next week will not be worked out until Monday.