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 One part of the plan, according to the source, attempts to make
airports safe by beefing up Transportation Security Administration
operations. Democratic Senator Bill Nelson has been pushing a bill
to improve screenings of TSA employees.
Overall, the package would put Democrats out in front politically on
an issue that is moving to center stage in Congress since the San
Bernardino shootings.
Meanwhile, another Democratic aide said there is a strong
possibility that the renewal of a range of U.S. intelligence
programs could be included in a must-pass government spending bill
lawmakers hope to complete in coming days.
Republicans have criticized Democratic President Barack Obama for
not being tough enough against the Islamic State, which claimed
responsibility for an attack in Paris last month.
 The married couple blamed for the California attack, killed by
police hours after the rampage, may have been followers of Islamic
State, according to social media postings and law enforcement. But
there is no evidence yet that they were working in coordination with
the militant group.
Other elements of the Democrats' package will include initiatives
already unveiled, including making it harder for people on "terror
watch lists" to buy weapons and explosives.
That measure is opposed by the powerful National Rifle Association
and many Republicans, who argue that innocent people, who have no
intention of committing violent acts, can mistakenly end up on the
watch lists.
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Last week, Republicans blocked this proposal.
Another element, which Republicans are expressing support for, would
tighten a visa waiver program enjoyed by travelers in 38 countries,
many in Europe. It would require visa interviews for people in those
countries if they have recently traveled to Iraq or Syria.
The aide said other provisions, which were not detailed, would be
taken from bills that have been under consideration in the Senate
Foreign Relations and Judiciary committees.
Democrats are in the minority in the Senate and Senate Majority
Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, decides what bills come to the
chamber for debate and votes.
Last month, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted
to impose new restrictions on an Obama program aimed at bringing
thousands of Syrian refugees to the United States. Critics in
Congress said it would make it impossible to administer the program.
(Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Andrew Hay)
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