Schumer: Odessa's shooting "could have been avoided" with the background check bill

"If the House of Commons bill on background checks had been passed, that tragedy could have been avoided, Chief McConnell, you have no excuses," Schumer said.

The specifics that the alleged gunman would have bought the gun through a private sale are already fueling calls from Democrats and gun reform advocates for the GOP-controlled Senate to adopt the bill passed by the House.

"The Senate must vote on the House's bill next week – not a diluted bill, nor a bill on other issues.We must vote on the bill passed by the House to remove these loopholes without delay, "said Schumer Tuesday.