Moulton Joins House Democrats in Gun Vote Sit-In

Congressman Seth Moulton (D-Salem) has joined House Democrats in a sit-in in saying they won't leave the floor until House Republicans agree to take a vote on gun control measures.

Also taking part in the sit-in are Massachusetts Congressional Representatives Jim McGovern, Bill Keating, Joseph P. Kennedy and Katherine Clark.

The event follows last week's 15-hour filibuster effort by Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy to get a vote on universal background checks, or closing the “gun-show loophole,” and the prevention of suspected terrorists from buying firearms.

Murphy succeeded in forcing a vote, but it failed along party lines. Displeased with the decision, Moulton released the following statement Tuesday:

“Last night the United States Senate had the opportunity to vote on two ideas that the overwhelming majority of Americans support: universal background checks for all gun purchases, and keeping guns out of the hands of terrorists. Senate Republicans failed to pass either. Republican support for the NRA over the American people is shameful.

Despite last night’s disappointing result, we will not be deterred. Let’s remember that neither the vote nor the debate would have occurred if not for a marathon filibuster led by Senator Chris Murphy and Senate Democrats. Even a debate and a vote on these important issues is a step in the right direction, and we must keep that momentum going. I’ll continue to reach out to Republicans to find consensus, as we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. We owe the American people better.”


Feature photo credit: Office of Seth Moulton