Ruben Kihuen on Gun Control

The NRA exists only to protect the big gun companies

In the State Senate, I helped champion legislation to require universal background checks for all gun sales in Nevada and I fought against reckless Republican bills that would have allowed guns in our public schools.

The truth is the fight against gun violence prevention is dominated by the National Rifle Association. The NRA claims to stand for personal freedoms, but they really only exist to protect the bottom line of the big gun companies. We must expose the NRA for the profit-protecting, corporate machine that they are.

In Congress, I will:
• Fight for universal background checks for all gun sales.
• Ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines.
• End the gun show and terrorist watch-list loopholes.
• Stand up to the NRA and the gun lobby.

Background checks for mental health before gun purchase

Excerpts from veto message: While I support enhanced reporting requirements concerning mentally ill persons, the provisions of Senate Bill 221 pertaining to background checks for the private sale and transfer of firearms constitute an erosion of Nevadans' Second Amendment rights.

Legislative outcome: Sen. Kihuen voted YEA; Bill passed Senate 11-10-0, May 22; passed House 23-19-0; June 3; vetoed by Gov. Sandoval on June 13

Supports restrictions on right to bear arms.

The Christian Coalition Voter Guide inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Further Restrictions on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms' The Christian Coalition notes, "You can help make sure that voters have the facts BEFORE they cast their votes. We have surveyed candidates in the most competitive congressional races on the issues that are important to conservatives."

Supports gun-control legislation.

The Project Vote Smart Voter Guide inferred how candidates would respond to the question, 'Guns: Do you generally support gun-control legislation?' Project Vote Smart notes, "in response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Congressional candidates' public records to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These issue positions, from the year 2016, are provided [for candidates who] refused to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2016 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their parties and advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."