Credit: AP

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A Senate Committee has approved a Democratic bill that would expand required federal background checks for nearly all gun purchasers.

The measure, sponsored by New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer, was approved in a 10 to 8 committee vote Tuesday.

Expanding required federal background checks was one of President Barack Obama's proposals to curb gun violence following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Schumer said the measure will reduce gun crimes.

But Republicans in the committee meeting, including Iowa Senator Charles Grassley, objected to the measure because they think it will ultimately lead to a federal registry of gun owners.