WASHINGTON (AP) — Even as most Republicans played it safe and initially said little about the politically treacherous issue of gun control, a senior GOP senator has called for a study of both gun violence and mental health issues. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley made his suggestion as formerly pro-gun Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday it’s now time to place gun control on the table. And National Rifle Association member Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, agreed it’s time to debate gun legislation.

It’s too early to say what could emerge next year in Congress, but the comments of Grassley, Reid and Manchin are significant. Grassley is senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Reid sets the Senate schedule. And Manchin defied the NRA.