The Latest: Trump supports improving gun background checks

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump (all times local):

9:40

The White House says President Donald Trump supports efforts to improve the federal gun background check system after a school shooting in Florida that left 17 dead.

Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday that the president had spoken to Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, about a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen the FBI database of prohibited gun buyers.

Sanders said, "While discussions are ongoing and revisions are being considered, the President is supportive of efforts to improve the Federal background check system."

The bill would penalize federal agencies that fail to provide the necessary records and reward states that comply with federal grant preferences and other incentives.

Trump has been a strong supporter of gun rights and the National Rifle Association.

See Also:

• Case against activists threatens Kuwait's political openness

• South Africa steps up action against Zuma-linked family

• Shiffrin drops out of Olympic downhill after schedule change