By Gerard Valentino

CNN is reporting that 36 students have been killed so far this year in Chicago's public school system, a shockingly high number of victims of the violence that has plagued Chicago for years.

From the story:

So far this school year, 36 children and teens have been murdered -- more than one a week -- and a chorus of weary Chicagoans who say the slayings aren't getting the attention they deserve.

Yet again, Chicago is in the news for the incredibly high levels of violence that has been a sad hallmark of the Richard Daley mayoral administration. Daley, a longtime proponent of gun control, has presided over some of the most deadly years in Chicago's illustrious history. Gangs seem to be fueling the carnage and unlike most cities, in Chicago, they are targeting innocent people.

Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) have introduced S. 941, the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009." Reps. Steve King (R-Iowa) and Zack Space (D-Ohio) have introduced a companion bill in the House. The bills would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. These bipartisan bills are a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations.