June 16, 2016

The Democratic Filibuster to Demand a Vote on Gun Control Just Scored a Powerful Victory

Republicans have agreed to vote on two measures following a marathon, 15-hour long filibuster.

After a nearly 15-hour filibuster filled with impassioned speeches from 44 Democrats to demand increased gun control, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced early Thursday morning that he had secured a promise by Republican leaders to hold a vote on gun control measures. Murphy, who represents the state where the 2012 Newtown shooting occurred, led the filibuster—the eighth longest in history—on Wednesday, announcing he had “had enough” of Congress’ inaction on the issue.


The reported agreement will allow lawmakers to vote on two pieces of gun control legislation: one to expand background checks and another to block individuals listed on terrorist watchlists from obtaining guns. The development comes in the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in American history, which killed 49 people inside a gay nightclub in Orlando on Sunday.

Shortly after 2 a.m. on Thursday, after delivering a tribute to the victims of the 2012 Newtown massacre, Murphy announced he was officially yielding the floor. Watch the powerful moment above.

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