Blumenthal Statement on Trump Gun Proposal

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reacted to the gun violence proposal released tonight by the Trump administration:

“This announcement is more talk and theatrics than action – sadly these proposals seem straight from the NRA's playbook,” said Blumenthal. “By taking two giant steps back for every one small step forward, this proposal simply fails to meet the moment. Arming teachers is an absolutely abhorrent response to school shootings – opposed by law enforcement, students, and educators alike. Although I’m proud to be a leading Senate co-sponsor of Fix NICS and the STOP School Violence Act, these bills only scratch the surface of what is necessary to address the epidemic of gun violence in our country. It should not escape anyone’s notice that President Trump seems to have received a permission slip from the NRA to express support for these bills, but no others. The President couldn’t even summon the political courage to propose raising the age limit on firearm purchases – despite his repeated promise to support such a step at a meeting with lawmakers. If President Trump really wants to prove that his priority is the American people and not the NRA, he should state his unequivocal support for universal background checks, federal extreme risk protection orders, and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. A groundswell of grassroots energy – led by students – must move Congress to take meaningful action in the absence of presidential leadership.”