WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama is trying to boost the chances of gun legislation that could be in jeopardy this week with a trip to the home state of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Obama is visiting Hartford, where last week the governor signed a law with widespread restrictions on firearms. The U.S. Senate could take up national legislation this week.

Obama plans to meet with Sandy Hook families and argue that lawmakers have an obligation to the children killed and other victims of gun violence to act on his proposals.

Senators have yet to reach a deal to pass expanded background checks for gun sales. An assault weapons ban doesn't appear to have enough votes, and the prospect for a ban on high-capacity magazines also appears bleak.

Obama is bringing 11 families of those killed in the shooting at Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary School to Washington on Air Force One.

A nonprofit organization that works with the families, Sandy Hook Promise, says the president is bringing victims' relatives with him on his plane after he delivers a speech Monday on gun control in Hartford. The White House says Obama is going to say in his remarks that lawmakers have an obligation to the children killed and other victims of gun violence to act on his proposals.

Gun legislation is up for debate in the Senate this week after lawmakers return from spring break. The Sandy Hook families want to speak to lawmakers to encourage their vote amid tough opposition to the proposals.