Sen. Chuck Schumer told HuffPost Live Friday that the National Rifle Association has become a very extreme group that "doesn't even represent average gun holders."
"They sure are a fringe group," Schumer said, "but whether enough of my colleagues are ready to admit that, I'm not sure."
The New York Democrat told HuffPost Live's Alicia Menendez that when he worked on the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which went into effect in 1994, the NRA "had such power that they filled it up with loopholes." The Brady Law required background checks for firearm purchasers.
"Now 40 percent of the guns that are sold in America have no check, even felons can get them," Schumer said. "If we can plug that up, that would be great."
Schumer told HuffPost Live he would like to see the number of bullets in a clip limited and assault weapons banned as well, but that he thinks universal background checks will probably be the easiest measure to pass through the House and the one that would have the most impact.
"We're going to push hard to get that one done and even through the House," he said.
Schumer also discussed Monday's presidential inauguration ceremonies, for which he serves as chairman. He even confessed his love for pop singer Kelly Clarkson, who will perform during the festivities.