Dem senator: ‘We made incredible progress’ on gun control

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday said a Democrats made “incredible progress” on stricter gun control with the filibuster he led a day earlier.

“I do think our filibuster made a difference,” he said on “CBS This Morning.” “Let’s be honest, the Senate was not going to debate these measures, had no plans to talk about ending gun violence this week.

{mosads}“I think at the end of our filibuster, we made incredible progress to get these measures back on the agenda in the Senate this week. It may be if we put this measure on the floor for a vote either at the end of this week or the beginning of next week, we may draw enough support to get it passed.”

Murphy and other Democrats on Wednesday morning took over the Senate floor to call for tougher laws. Their filibuster concluded almost 15 hours later after a marathon of speeches for stricter firearms regulations.

Murphy on Thursday said he believes GOP lawmakers are softening on the issue after multiple mass shootings.

“My instincts tell me they’re moving,” he said. “I think if you listened over the course of the day yesterday, there were a number of Republicans who were madly scrambling, trying to find common ground.”

Democrats are particularly focused on keeping individuals federal terrorist watchlists from buying guns. They also favor background checks for more potential buyers.

Murphy on Thursday said voters are weary of bloodshed from gun violence and back Democrats on the issue.

“The American public agrees with us that if you’re on the terrorist watchlist and unable to board a plane, then you certainly shouldn’t be able to buy a dangerous assault weapon.”