ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rep. Joe Morelle says there are only so many thoughts and prayers that can be shared following the latest mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas.

He said action must be taken to prevent further deaths.

Morelle on Wednesday said he is in favor of what he calls "common-sense gun control legislation."

That would include a ban on assault rifles, universal background checks on all firearms, the tracking of all firearms after purchase as well as strengthening of red flag laws.

The congressman said gun control is bigger than a state issue.

“I am devastated and heartbroken as yet another community finds itself the target of a senseless act of violence and terror,” Morelle said in a statement. “I am praying for the children, the teachers and administrators, and all of the families who are living through this nightmare. However, prayers are no longer enough. At what point do we come to our senses and commit to eradicating the scourge of gun violence? Until we do, we have no right to lay claim to being a truly moral and just nation.”

New York state has several of the previously mentioned gun control measures.

“You can easily cross state lines and we see that happening every day,” Morelle said. “We see the move of illegal guns across this country every single day in the thousands and they end up on streets all across America. And they end up in the hands of the wrong people. That’s why federal action is so important. It’s why it’s required. It’s why it’s essential.”

There are multiple bills currently in the works to implement state background checks for gun purchases on top of federal background checks, as well as a bill to make it illegal for anyone under 21 to possess a gun.