The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved legislation aimed at expanding background checks on all commercial firearm sales and transfers.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act — spearheaded by Rep. Mike Thompson — looks to "utilize the current background checks process" in order to ensure individuals prohibited from possessing a gun are unable to obtain one.

Currently, background checks are not required for gun sales and transfers by unlicensed and private sellers.

The legislation is the first congressional move on significant gun control since Democrats won the White House and the majority in both chambers of Congress.

Proponents argued that it is a necessary step in curbing violence and ensuring that guns are not obtainable by the wrong people. 

(With input from agencies)