Amid the terror and tragedy that unfolded last week was a travesty committed by our nation’s elected representatives that went relatively unnoticed. The gun reform bill, long awaited by many Americans, was brought to the congressional floor. Yet, in a series of failed amendments to the legislation — including reinstating the federal assault weapons ban — that tangibly illustrated the forceful influence of money on our political system, Congress failed to pass the sensible, bipartisan gun-control policy to protect Americans.

Preventable tragedies like the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School must be used to bring this debate to our collective attention, in the hope that meaningful reform will be passed one day. This bill was the result of a movement that started after the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., and had the public’s support. But attention waned and the bill was quietly defeated after pro-gun groups poured money into efforts to kill it.

Just look at the four Democrats who voted against background checks. They come from North Dakota, Arkansas, Alaska and Montana — decidedly conservative states. And these Democrats, along with the congressional Republicans who voted against the bill, are up for re-election in 2014. These senators have constituents and a gun lobby to appease, which far outweighs the more than 80 percent of Americans who support expanding reasonable background checks for gun shows and Internet sales.

President Barack Obama reacted to the defeat by declaring the debate unfinished. “I see this as just round one,” he said. When the issue will return to the table is difficult to predict. What seems obvious is that no public shooting, regardless of how horrifying it is, will induce a change of mentality among gun fanatics. Should the public opinion on the gun issue be remembered in the next midterm elections, perhaps there will be a good opportunity for round two.

Finally, national catastrophes like the recent Boston marathon bombings can do more than bring Americans together — they should act as catalysts for change. Public outrage should be used as a tool for Congress to make progress, but our representatives have failed to take advantage of this. Now, with the sense of immediate urgency gone for the moment and the political conversation turning toward immigration, an overhaul in gun control policy seems to be slipping away once again.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, April 22 print edition. Email the WSN Editorial Board at [email protected].