Connecticut’s Democratic senators plan to re-introduce a universal background check bill this week that was first proposed six years ago as a response to the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary school.
National Rifle Association
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As Trump faces heat, he lashes out at Blumenthal
WASHINGTON – As one of the toughest critics of the president, Sen. Richard Blumenthal has drawn more fire from Donald Trump than almost anyone in Congress. Political analysts say there’s good reason for the enmity – and that it’s not likely to end.
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Gun control advocates optimistic new Congress will act on their agenda
WASHINGTON – Every year gun control activists from Newtown gather here to condemn congressional inaction on legislation they think will keep Americans safe. This year the mood at the gathering was quite different as gun control advocates are counting on the support of new members who ran — and won — on gun control and helped flip the U.S. House to Democratic control..
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Democrats: Does Connecticut want an NRA-endorsed governor?
A weekend of grieving the shooting deaths of 11 worshipers at a Pittsburgh synagogue gave way Monday to a hard push by Democrats to highlight Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski’s support from the NRA and the state’s largest gun-owners’ group, the Connecticut Citizens Defense League. “A governor with an A rating from the NRA elected in Connecticut? That’s the national headline,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
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Murphy helps raise campaign cash to defeat NRA-backed Republicans
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chris Murphy will join other gun control advocates and coalition of progressive groups in a one-day fundraising effort for eight Democrats hoping to defeat Republican incumbents with “A” ratings from the National Rifle Association in November’s mid-term elections. It’s an effort show the gun control lobby has political clout, and help flip the U.S. House — and maybe also the Senate — to Democratic control.
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Parkland students bringing campaign for gun law changes to Newtown
When a busload of Parkland, Fla., high school gun control activists arrives in Newtown on Sunday, they will be completing an emotional tour of 50 cities, some the sites of the nation’s grisliest mass shootings, in an effort to create political change. Besides influencing public opinion, the students are also seeking to register young voters who will help their cause.
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Murphy, gun control groups ramp up fight against Kavanaugh
WASHINGTON – Gun control groups, who are among the most active in the “stop Kavanaugh” movement, were helped by Sen. Chris Murphy on Thursday as they ratcheted up their opposition to President Donald Trump’s choice to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court.
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A ‘crypto-anarchist’ hands Democrats a new gun issue
You probably never heard his name before today, but Cody Wilson emerged this week as an influence in the Connecticut primaries for governor and attorney general: He is a self-described “crypto-anarchist” from Texas who wants to sell America a downloadable blueprint for the 3D printing of untraceable plastic firearms.
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Sandy Hook Promise honors GOP leader with high rating from the NRA
WASHINGTON– A Republican congressional leader who gets high grades from the National Rifle Association gained an unlikely spotlight this week — guest of honor at the Sandy Hook Promise annual fundraising gala here Wednesday night.
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Newtown group asks Ryan for action as gun control heats up as campaign issue
The Newtown Action Alliance, a gun-control group formed after the Sandy Hook shooting of December, has demanded House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., allow votes on dozens of gun control bills that run the gamut from an assault weapons ban to establishing federal funding research on gun violence.
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On bipartisan vote, Connecticut bans bump stocks
The state Senate voted 26 to 10 Tuesday night for final passage of a bill that bans the sale and ownership of bump stocks in Connecticut, joining a growing number of states that have prohibited the rapid-fire rifle accessory used by the Las Vegas shooter who killed 58 people and injured hundreds last October.
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Trump embraces Murphy’s gun bill, but steps back from other proposals
WASHINGTON — The White House on Monday reiterated its backing for a gun purchaser background check bill sponsored by Sen. Chris Murphy, but President Donald Trump backed away from his support of more comprehensive gun laws.
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NRA, Bronin trade attacks over gun-training proposal
WASHINGTON — The National Rifle Association on Tuesday reacted forcefully to Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin’s campaign to end the gun group’s role in Connecticut’s permitting process. Bronin struck back.
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After Trump endorses gun measures, Senate Dems propose a bill
WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will push for tighter background checks and new protective orders, modeled after a program that Connecticut has had in place since 1999, to disarm dangerous individuals.
Posted inJustice
Trump asks Murphy to help draft ‘comprehensive’ gun bill
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he wanted Sen. Chris Murphy to join three Senate colleagues in drafting a “comprehensive” gun bill that is “very powerful” on expansion of the FBI background check system for gun buyers. “We are determined to turn grief into action,” Trump said at a White House gathering with lawmakers to discuss ways to combat gun violence.