As the Senate was debating a spending bill, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) began a talking filibuster on the floor in an effort to force his colleagues to adopt legislation that will deny suspected terrorists the ability to legally purchase firearms.
Murphy is one of the Senate’s top gun control advocates. He was quickly joined by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), although others are expected to join in, according to The Hill and Politico.
Democrats, who call the measure the “No Fly, No Buy” amendment, are also pushing for “universal background checks” for gun purchases. Upon launching his filibuster, Murphy said the Senate shouldn’t proceed with debate on amendments to the bill until “we have figured out a way to come together on, at the very least, two simple ideas.”
“I’m going to remain on this floor until we get some signal, some sign that we can come together on these two measures, that we can get a path forward on addressing this epidemic in a meaningful, bipartisan way,” he said.
“I’ve cleared my entire day,” Booker said. “I’ve cleared my evening events … so that I can stay on this floor and support Senator Murphy.”
Gun control advocates are reportedly working with Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) on measures to ensure suspected terrorists could not purchase weapons, although his office has refused to confirm that. And by refusing to give up the floor, Democrats are likely to interfere with a planned 4 p.m. EDT all-Senate briefing on the Orlando attack.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has not filed cloture on the bill, so Murphy and the Democrats will be able to talk indefinitely.
