WASHINGTON – Days after concluding a nearly 15-hour filibuster and receiving a commitment from Senate Republicans to bring commonsense gun reforms up for a vote, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) reacted to the defeat of two gun safety amendments that would close the terror gap and expand background checks for firearms purchases. The terror gap amendment failed in a vote of 47 to 53, and the background checks amendment failed in a vote of 44 to 56.
Murphy released the following statement:
“Today’s votes would never have occurred were it not for the loud voices of the American people echoing through the halls of the Capitol last week. After the deadliest shooting in American history, Senate Republicans weren’t even going to discuss, let alone vote on, measures to stop this endless mass murder enveloping our country. So on Wednesday, I took a stand with nearly 40 of my colleagues to demand that Congress do something – anything – to stop the slaughter of innocent victims of gun violence. Millions of Americans engaged in the debate and made their voices heard.
“I’m disappointed by the results tonight, but far from surprised. We knew breaking the NRA’s stranglehold on this Congress would be a long, uphill climb. The fact is Americans want a background check system that prevents dangerous people and terrorists from getting their hands on guns. It will take time, but I firmly believe that our democracy does not allow a Congress to be this far out-of-step with the views and values of the people for very long. This country is rising up to demand stronger, safer gun laws, and in the fact of unspeakable tragedy, our movement for change got stronger this week.”
Murphy will continue to work with Democrats and Republicans to take meaningful action to pass commonsense gun reform laws that will keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and make our communities safer. Murphy, who speaks regularly on gun violence prevention, has delivered 45 Voices of Victims speeches since joining the Senate in January 2013.
