Chris Murphy on Gun Control Senate Challenger; Democratic Rep. (CT-5)

Inconceivable Congress hasn't addressed gun violence

Teachers don't want to be armed; nor do parents or students

"Arming teachers is one of the most dangerous ideas that anyone could ever come up with for our school children," Murphy said. "Teachers don't want to be armed. Parents don't want schools to be armed. Kids don't want their schools to be armed. We are going to do everything n our power to make sure that Department of Education funds, taxpayer dollars, do not get used to put weapons in our classrooms."

The plan prompted swift condemnation from Democratic lawmakers and many educators, who accused the Trump administration of wanting to deprive students of much-needed mental health support and other resources in the interests of the National Rifle Association.

Stricter gun control laws on a federal level

As Connecticut enacted stricter gun control legislation in the state, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy stepped up calls for stricter gun control laws on a federal level.

He introduced an amendment that would block the Education Department from using the funds to arm schools [as the Trump administration is considering]. "Teachers' jobs are already hard enough," Murphy said. "We ask teachers to do more today than we ever have before."

He said teachers are stretched thin today and don't have the ability to be trained in firearms and to safely manipulate and store weapons in schools. "The Secretary of Education cares more about the firearms industry's bottom line than the safety of our kids, and that should scare parents to death," Murphy said .

Sandy Hook opened my eyes to catastrophe of gun violence

In nearly four years since Sandy Hook, the carnage in our streets has not abated. Gun homicides remain as regular as raindrops in our urban cores. And terrorist organizations, they now see the assault weapon, rather than the hijacked airplane or the improvised explosive device, as their primary opportunity for mass slaughter in America. Stopping dangerous style military assault weapons from flooding our streets is now one of the most effective tools we have to combat terrorism.

The NRA created a fantasy world where stockpiles are needed

The dysfunction in our dialogue over guns [is because gun policy on] the right half of the political spectrum has nothing to do with gun laws and everything to do with abstract concepts of liberty & freedom & revolution.

The gun industry in cahoots with the gun lobby, the NRA and the Gun Owners of America, they've created a fantasy construct of a world in which citizens need to arm themselves against an out of control government. Instead of one gun, you need 10 or 20 or 40 so that you can arm yourself and your neighborhood when the black helicopters start landing in your backyards. Oh, and you better also stockpile a year's worth of ammunition just in case.

NRA has more control over Congress than any other group

Murphy said lobbying by the National Rifle Association makes such legislation nearly impossible in Washington. "The NRA has more control over Congress than almost any other political interest group there," he said.

Close the Gun Show Loophole; restrict show sales.

Makes it unlawful for any person to operate a gun show unless such person:
1. has attained 21 years of age;
2. is not prohibited from transporting, shipping, or receiving firearms and has not violated any federal firearms requirements;
3. has registered with the Attorney General as a gun show operator and has provided a photograph and fingerprints;
4. has not concealed material information nor made false statements in connection with a gun show operator registration; and
5. notifies the Attorney General of the date, time, and duration of a gun show not later than 30 days before the commencement of such show and verifies the identity of each vendor at the gun show.

Ban large-capacity ammunition.

Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

• to prohibit the transfer or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, except for its lawful possession within the United States on or before the date of this Act`s enactment; and
• the importation or bringing into the United States of such a device (with some exceptions).
• Identification Markings: Requires a large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after this Act`s enactment to be identified by a serial number that clearly shows that the device was manufactured after enactment.
• Whoever knowingly violates this law shall be fined, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

Restrict right to bear arms, according to CC survey.

The Christian Coalition Voter Guide inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Further Restrictions on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms' Christian Coalition's self-description: "Christian Voter Guide is a clearing-house for traditional, pro-family voter guides. We do not create voter guides, nor do we interview or endorse candidates."

Sponsored bill for background checks for private transfers.

H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act: This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. The prohibition does not apply to gifts between spouses in good faith.

Heritage Action opinion to vote NO (Feb. 26, 2019): This legislation would require universal background checks for all firearm sales (even private). Unfortunately, universal background checks would do little to prevent firearm violence and would instead make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase, own, carry, and use a firearm. Studies show that universal background checks are largely ineffective when it comes to preventing mass shootings. In 19 of the most recent high-profile cases, the shooters bought their firearms legally and passed all the required background checks.

White House Statement (Biden`s opinion to vote YES): Gun violence is a public health crisis. Every day, gun violence--community violence, domestic violence, suicides, and mass shootings--takes American lives and forever alters many more. Last year, we saw record levels of homicides in cities throughout our country. The Federal gun background check system is a proven tool to reduce gun violence and save lives. This system, called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, has kept millions of guns out of potentially dangerous hands. The Administration encourages closing existing loopholes in this system [such as private transfers in H.R. 8].

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 227-203-1 on 03/11/2021 (rollcall #75); introduced in Senate with 36 co-sponsors; no further Senate action during 2021.