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Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., blasted his congressional colleagues for failing to advance gun control measures in the wake of tragic mass shootings, such as the one that took place in San Bernardino, Calif., on Wednesday.

"We are complicit through our inaction," said Reid.

Speaking on the Senate floor, he said, "When the vicitims turn to us for leadership and help, we will have nothing to show but empty hands and a few empty gestures. It's despicable."

Reid is calling for improved background checks legislation and ripped Republicans for having a fear of upsetting the National Rifle Associaion. "I know the thought of upsetting the National Rifle Association scares everybody, oh especially my Republican colleagues," stated Reid. "You know what scares the American people? Gun violence."

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