Conn. lawmakers say gun bills might actually pass

WASHINGTON — After nearly six years of disappointment following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, Connecticut Democrats in Congress say there is a momentum shift on guns growing out of the 2018 election, and that new laws may pass not only the newly Democratic-controlled House, but the GOP Senate as well.

And when they get to Donald Trump’s desk, the NRA-backed president might actually sign them, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

“The kindest thing that can be said about Trump is he has no real convictions on this topic,” said Blumenthal on Thursday. “If enough Republicans join us, he’ll find a way to sign.”

Senate Republicans, who almost uniformly have opposed new gun proposals, may now reverse course, he said.

“I think this latest election has sent a clear message to my Republican colleagues: They cannot simply adhere to the NRA (National Rifle Association) line,” Blumenthal said.

Speaking at a meeting in Washington sponsored by Newtown Action Alliance, Blumenthal plus Connecticut’s Sen. Chris Murphy and Rep. Elizabeth Esty, all acknowledged their new optimism is a marked contrast to the recent past, when Republicans dominated Capitol Hill.

Since the Newtown shooting on Dec. 14, 2012, took the lives of 20 children and six educators, congressional Republicans and some red-state Democrats have effectively blocked the path on measures such as expanded background checks and barring terrorism suspects on the “no-fly” list from purchasing guns.

But those days are over, members of the Connecticut delegation confidently predicted to a crowd of gun-issue activists, many wearing Newtown Action Alliance’s signature green shirt.

Dan Freedman/Hearst Newspapers Washington Bureau Rep. Elizabeth Esty poses with Ashley Colombo, 12, of Brookfield, and her mother, Kerri Colombo following a meeting Thursday between Connecticut legislators and members of the Newtown Action Alliance in Washington.