Plans for a filibuster on gun-control legislation, which began when senators Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and Mike Lee sent a letter to Harry Reid announcing their intentions, are gaining steam. A dozen senators now plan to join the filibuster, according to Politico. The three senators have now been joined by Richard Burr of North Carolina, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Enzi of Wyoming, Jim Risch and Mike Crapo of Idaho, Dan Coats of Indiana, Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts of Kansas, Marco Rubio of Florida, and Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma.
White House press secretary Jay Carney today sharply criticized the Republican senators and implied that their actions reflect a callousness toward the victims of gun violence. “It’s the obligation of Congress to vote on each one of these proposals,” he said. “Gabby Giffords deserve it . . . and the children of Newtown deserve it.”
Arizona senator John McCain on Sunday also voiced his opposition to the filibuster, saying he doesn’t understand his colleagues.
The White House is continuing its push for gun-control legislation as the president heads to Hartford, Conn. to speak about the issue. Prior to his remarks, he will meet with parents of the children murdered in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Eleven Newtown family members will return to Washington, D.C., with him on Air Force One and will testify before Congress on gun control in the coming days.