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The measure, which addresses so-called straw purchasing, passed the committee by 11 to 7; the only Republican to vote in favor was Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa. Mr. Grassley's nod on the measure, which already had two Republican co-sponsors, was significant because he is the most senior member of the committee. The panel is comprised of 10 Democrats and 8 Republicans.

Several Republicans spoke out against the bill, including Senator John Cornyn of Texas, who said the legislation seemed designed "to show we are doing something," but in the end would not be effective in halting gun crimes.

The committee's meeting later ended abruptly, apparently to accommodate a classified briefing, and it was not clear when the senators would return.

The committee is expected to vote on three other measures, including a controversial assault weapons ban, which has been championed by Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California. Citing support for her measure from law enforcement, medical and other groups, Ms. Feinstein, sounding frustrated and depressed, said, "And yet it's as if we have a minority insubstantial piece of legislation."

The committee is also set to consider the reauthorization of a program that provides matching grants for school safety improvements, as well as a measure that would greatly expand background checks for gun buyers, with the goal of preventing sales to people with criminal records or a history of mental illness.

The main sponsor of the bill, Senator Charles Schumer, Democrat of New York, has run into trouble because he is seeking a Republican strongly supportive of gun rights to join him, and he has so far failed to find one.

Most gun safety experts say they believe that straw purchasing and background check measures work in tandem. A failure by Congress to pass more than a modified straw purchasing bill would be a victory for the National Rifle Association, which opposes each measure.