WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on Thursday that any gun-control bill that passes his chamber must include President Barack Obama's call to expand background checks for prospective buyers of firearms.

In a brief statement, Reid voiced hope that an elusive bipartisan deal on background checks can soon be reached. The Senate is to begin consideration of gun legislation when Congress returns on April 8 from its Easter break.

(Reporting By Thomas Ferraro; Editing by Sandra Maler)