A Newtown father made an emotional appeal to lawmakers in Washington.

He spoke in support of a bill that would ban certain firearms and ammunition magazines.

The bill would outlaw 157 types of guns and magazines holding more than 10 rounds.

It would not confiscate existing weapons.

Republicans at the hearing questioned the ban's constitutionality and effectiveness.

Neil Heslin's six-year-old son, Jesse Lewis, was one of 20 kids killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“Jesse was the love of my life,” a teary-eyed Lewis said. “He was the only family I had left. It's hard to be here to talk about my deceased son, but I have to. I'm his voice.”

Next week the judiciary committee will vote on whether to send the bill to a full vote in the senate.