A major national union urged its membership to reach out to federal lawmakers Monday in support of gun-control in the wake of the Orlando terrorist attack.
Democrats have called for more gun regulations in response to the mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub. Republicans have countered the outcry by arguing the focus should be on Islamic extremism and not gun control. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) urged membership to support pending gun regulations, in an email obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation.
“Senator Chris Murphy led a nearly 15-hour filibuster to demand action on gun violence to break through the gridlock,” SEIU Florida President Monica Russo said in the email. “And today the United States Senate will vote on whether to take critical first steps to expand background checks as well as to prevent suspected terrorists from purchasing guns and explosives.”
Murphy ended his filibuster when Republicans agreed to vote on several gun control measures Monday. The measures would allow the attorney general to ban anyone suspected of terrorism from buying a gun and expand background checks. Russo noted the proposed bills were a good step, but said but much more needs to be done.
“It’s long past time for our nation to do something about gun violence in our communities,” Russo continued. “The amendments proposed today are not enough, but they are progress. We cannot allow this kind of violence to continue without action.”
Republican Sen. John Cornyn also introduce legislation that would require the attorney general to investigate anyone on the terrorist watch list who try to purchase a firearm. Republican Rep. John Mica among others within the party have argued the focus should be on terrorism itself. The National Rifle Association (NRA) countered the proposed regulations by stating they do not deter terrorism.
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