Gun control votes to begin in Senate

(CNN) — Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee vote today on four pieces of gun legislation.

The measures include a ban on assault weapons and large ammunition magazines and would elevate the illegal purchase of firearms to a federal offense.

They are expected to pass the committee but face an uncertain future in the full Senate and the House.

President Obama began a push for tighter gun control laws following December's deadly shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.