Democratic Sen. Lobbies for Gun Control with 15-hr Filibuster
- Updated Jun 16, 2016
A Democratic senator from Connecticut waged a 15-hour filibuster this week trying to get votes for more gun control measures.
The filibuster comes just days after the mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub that killed nearly 50 people.
Sen. Chris Murphy stayed on the Senate floor until 2:11 a.m. Thursday, arguing “until (he had) some signal, some sign that we can come together” on gun control amendments. He yielded when he won some commitments from Republicans who said they would hold votes on amendments to expand background checks and ban gun sales for suspected terrorists.
However, according to SRNNews.com, it’s unlikely those amendments will pass. The debate pits right to bear arms proponents against those, like Murphy, who believe stricter gun laws are needed.
“I hope you’ll understand some day why we’re doing this,” Murphy said, addressing his oldest son from the floor. “Trying and trying and trying to do the right thing is ultimately just as important as getting the outcome in the end.”
Murphy began speaking at 11:21 a.m. Wednesday. Under Senate rules, he had to stand at his desk the entire time.
The last time Congress made any significant changes to federal gun laws was in 2007 after a shooter at Virginia Tech killed 32 people. Congress passed a law to strengthen the instant background check system.
Publication date: June 16, 2016
