the national rifle association, forged a compromise on background checks for gun purchases. manchin visibly touched by newtown families when he met with them on capitol hill. the legislation would require a background check on purchases at gun shows and on the internet. but would exempt private transactions. it would require states and the federal government to provide records on criminals and the violently mentally ill to the national background checks system. but kit pass a republican congress? >> many of them are looking carefully at the legislation, but i don't know in the end how many will support it. >> reporter: many gun owners are not convinced. >> none of these laws will stop crime. the criminals will just go on getting their guns like they always have. >> reporter: while the measure is far from the assault weapons ban the president pushed for after the sandy hook shootings, some of the parents of children killed say it's a first step. >> what i have seen here is people working to the on both sides to try to do something to