Gun makers and lobbyists weren't invited to participate in the conference, but Blumenthal said gun rights advocates will have opportunities in hearings and other forums to express their points of view.

NPR: In Connecticut, Biden Urges Action On Gun Control

"Guns have been one of the key issues that more moderate Democrats have used to express their independence from the Democratic Party, and this gun talk is putting a strain on that independence, " Gonzales said.

CNN: Obama-backed gun bills considered a long shot in Congress