Friday's devastating shooting at Sandy Hook has reinvigorated the debate over gun control.

Several Democratic lawmakers said on Monday that they plan to introduce an assault-weapon ban as soon as Congress returns to Washington in January.

He didn't use the word gun once, but last night President Obama promised action.

"In the coming weeks, I'll use whatever power this office holds in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this," said Obama.

Asked what exactly the president will do, his spokesman did not provide any specifics on Monday.

There are an estimated 200 million-plus guns in circulation in this country and unless you have a felony conviction or are deemed mentally incompetent by a court, you can get one.

A new ABC News-Washington Post Poll found that 54 percent of Americans favor stricter gun control laws in general.

A majority said the tragedy in Newtown indicates broader problems in American socity rather than the isolated act of a troubled individual.

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat and staunch gun-rights advocate, said on Monday on MSNBS that it is time to rethink our laws.

"I don't know anyone that needs 30 rounds in a clip to go hunting," said Manchin.

Meanwhile, one Republican lawmaker said if the Sandy Hook principal had been armed, she could have stopped the gunman.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been a longtime advocate for tougher gun laws.

On Monday he demanded President Obama and Congress step up.

"Words alone cannot heal our nation. Only action can do that," said Bloomberg.

North Carolina State Sen. Malcom Graham said he plans to bring up gun control during the next legislative session, but U.S. Rep.-elect Robert Pittenger said gun control is not the only issue that needs to be addressed.

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

Pittenger said he believes mental health must be part of the discussion along with the violence in the media.

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