Washington (Associated Press) - "Enough, enough," President Joe Biden shouted repeatedly Thursday night as he delivered an impassioned speech asking Congress to take action against gun violence after the mass shooting that he said turned schools and other everyday places into "kill fields."

He warned that if lawmakers fail to act, voters should use their "anger" to make it a central issue in the November midterm elections.

Speaking at the White House, Biden acknowledged the strong political headwinds as he sought to increase pressure on Congress to pass stricter gun controls after efforts failed following previous attacks.

He reiterated calls to restore the ban on the sale of high-capacity assault weapons — saying that if Congress does not adopt all his proposals, it should at least find compromises such as preventing firearms from those with mental health issues or raising the age to buy assault weapons from 18 to 21.

Biden said after last week's shooting by an 18-year-old gunman who killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and another attack Wednesday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a gunman opened fire, killing four people and himself in a medical office, "How much more slaughter are we willing to accept?"

Biden said: "This time we have to take the time to do something," calling on the Senate "We need 10 Republican votes to pass the legislation."

He added: "I know how hard it is, but I will never give up and if Congress fails, I think this time the majority of the American people will not give up either." "I believe most of you will work to turn your anger into making this issue a central issue in your vote."

Earlier Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about the Oklahoma shooting, saying: "We all stand with the people of Tulsa, but we reaffirm our commitment to passing sensible gun safety laws."

"No more excuses. Harris said: "Thoughts and prayers matter, but they are not enough." "We need Congress to act."

His speech Thursday evening coincided with intensified bipartisan talks among a core group of senators discussing modest changes in gun policy. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said the group was "making rapid progress," and Biden spoke to Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, among those leading their party’s efforts on the issue.

Democrats hope Biden’s remarks will encourage bipartisan Senate talks and increase pressure on Republicans to reach a deal.

Private Senate discussions, split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, are not expected to lead to the kind of comprehensive reforms being considered by the Democratic-led House, which approved expanded background checks legislation and will then move on to an assault weapons ban.

A package of House-proposed measures, approved by committee by a 25-19 vote, includes raising the minimum age to buy semi-automatic firearms to 21 and faces slim chances in the Senate.

Instead, bipartisan Senate members are likely to reach an additional package that would increase federal funding to support state gun safety efforts, with incentives to strengthen school security and mental health resources. The package might also encourage "red flag laws" to remove firearms from those who might cause harm. But any major and fundamental action remains elusive.

Edited by: Dima Abu Khair