WASHINGTON - As gun violence continues to be the focal point around the country, 21 News spoke with Ohio Senator Rob Portman about the ongoing efforts for gun reform following multiple deadly mass shootings.

Senator Portman said he was heartbroken by the shootings that have happened across the country.

21 News asked Portman what gun control measures he would support and if not seeking reelection and facing the same political pressures that could have him go against his party.

In response, Senator Portman said he would not change his views based on if he was seeking reelection or not.

"Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous people, school safety is important, and mental and behavioral health can be addressed," Portman said. "We have the opportunity to do something [addressing mental and behavioral health] that we should be doing anyway."

When asked if there was a specific proposal he would endorse, Senator Portman said that he was previously involved in legislation surrounding the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System). He said there have been discussions on putting juvenile records into NICS.

"There's been discussion of putting juvenile records into the NICS system. They are, for the most part, sealed or expunged and not available. Allow that data into the system, it's not easy to do but there are ways to do it, I believe," Senator Portman said.

During the conference call, Portman also said that he previously voted for laws focusing on school safety and background checks in 2018.

He also said he supports bipartisan efforts and discussions on school safety and keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people with a common-sense solution that won't infringe on the rights of law-abiding people.