The national debate over gun control is heating up.

President Obama offered words of comfort to the people of Newtown, Conn., during Sunday's memorial service.  He also said something has to be done to stop gun violence.

"These tragedies must end. And to end them, we must change," he said.

Police said when Adam Lanza carried out his attack at the elementary school, he was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and two pistols. All the weapons were legally purchased by his mother, officials said.

Now, some lawmakers on both a federal and state level want legislation that would reauthorize a ban on assault weapons.

"It's time for change in this country regarding gun laws," state Sen. Malcolm Graham said.

Graham said he supports a discussion on gun control and plans to bring up the issue during the next legislative session. He also said the goal is not to take away guns, but create policies that protect people.

"...That will really begin to limit how, where and when these type of assault weapons can be bought," he said.

But congressman-elect Robert Pittenger said mental health must be part of the discussion, along with violence in the media.

"I think it would be misdirected to assume that we're going to solve all the issues with some type of regulatory change," he said.

Though their difference of opinions may be sharp, Republican and Democratic lawmakers agree: No single piece of legislation will be able to stop the violence completely.