Noting that his home state requires a three-day waiting period to pick up a newly purchased gun, Reid contended the delay saved lives.

CNN: Reid to force a vote Thursday on debating gun proposals

The delay in renewing the licences led to many gun owners unable to use their guns which had to be stored with registered dealers.

BBC: Hampshire Police reveal 13,000 gun licence backlog

However, Mr. Obama has said he won't negotiate over that must-pass measure, and Republicans have been gun-shy about reviving their past strategy of threatening to delay a debt-limit increase to get their way.

WSJ: U.S. Senate Approves Budget