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Giffords implores Congress for gun control Giffords implores Congress for gun control
(35 minutes later)
Wounded former Representative Gabrielle Giffords has implored Congress to curb gun violence, at the first hearing on the issue this year on Capitol Hill.Wounded former Representative Gabrielle Giffords has implored Congress to curb gun violence, at the first hearing on the issue this year on Capitol Hill.
The Arizona Democrat, who was shot in the head in a 2011 attack that killed six people, said that too many children were dying in shootings. The Arizona Democrat, who was shot in the head in a 2011 attack that killed six people, said too many children were dying in shootings.
But the National Rifle Association told the Senate judiciary committee that gun control was not the answer.But the National Rifle Association told the Senate judiciary committee that gun control was not the answer.
The renewed gun-control drive follows last month's massacre in Connecticut.The renewed gun-control drive follows last month's massacre in Connecticut.
'Be bold'
Twenty children and six adults were killed in the attack at a primary school in Newtown, which shocked a nation with the world's highest rate of gun ownership. Firearms sales in the US have risen since the shooting.Twenty children and six adults were killed in the attack at a primary school in Newtown, which shocked a nation with the world's highest rate of gun ownership. Firearms sales in the US have risen since the shooting.
Ms Giffords, who is still recovering from the gun attack in Tucson, Arizona, opened Wednesday's hearing saying: "Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children. 'You must act'
"We must do something. It will be hard. But the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you." Ms Giffords, who is still recovering after being shot by a mentally ill gunman while meeting her constituents in Tucson, opened Wednesday's hearing saying: "Violence is a big problem.
"Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something. It will be hard. But the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you."
Her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, also testified.Her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, also testified.
The couple, both gun owners, recently launched a political action committee, Americans for Responsible Solutions, intended to combat firearms violence.The couple, both gun owners, recently launched a political action committee, Americans for Responsible Solutions, intended to combat firearms violence.
NRA executive vice-president Wayne LaPierre told the hearing that gun control measures have failed in the past. Mr Kelly told the panel: "When dangerous people get guns we are all vulnerable, at the movies, at church, conducting our everyday business, meeting with a government official."
He said that "law-abiding gun owners will not accept blame for the acts of violent or deranged criminals". NRA executive vice-president Wayne LaPierre told the hearing that gun control measures had failed in the past.
President Barack Obama this month proposed sweeping measures on guns, including a renewed ban on assault rifles and wider background checks on buyers.President Barack Obama this month proposed sweeping measures on guns, including a renewed ban on assault rifles and wider background checks on buyers.
But Mr LaPierre said the government's own figures had shown the last assault-weapons ban from 1994-2004 made no impact on lowering crime.
He also argued that background checks would never be universal because criminals would find a way to duck them.
"Law-abiding gun owners will not accept blame for the acts of violent or deranged criminals," said Mr LaPierre.
"Nor do we believe that government should dictate what we can lawfully own and use to protect our families."
The Senate judiciary committee is divided on the White House plans.The Senate judiciary committee is divided on the White House plans.
Republican Senator Orrin Hatch said he was "a strong supporter of the second amendment". "And I don't intend to change," he added. Republican Senator Orrin Hatch said on Tuesday that he was "a strong supporter of the second amendment" - referring to a clause in the US Constitution on the right to bear arms.
Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein has already introduced legislation, similar to the White House plan, that would seek to ban assault weapons and limit magazines to less than 10 rounds of ammunition. "And I don't intend to change," he added.
While President Obama's proposals are expected to face a tough road both in the Senate and the House, some lawmakers expressed optimism that a bill of some kind could be passed. Another member, Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, has already introduced a bill, similar to the White House plan, that would seek to ban assault weapons and limit ammunition magazines to less than 10 rounds.
While President Obama's proposals are expected to face a tough road in Congress, some lawmakers were hopeful that something could get through.
"We are trying to weigh things that could make a big difference against things that can pass," said Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York. "I think background checks is the sweet spot.""We are trying to weigh things that could make a big difference against things that can pass," said Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York. "I think background checks is the sweet spot."
Those buying guns at stores are required to pass a background check, but purchasers at firearms shows and through private sales do not need to do so, an exception often referred to as the gun-show loop-hole. Those buying guns at stores are required to face a background check, but purchasers at firearms shows and through private sales do not need to do so, an exception often referred to as the gun-show loop-hole.
The president has called for background checks in both instances, as well as increased reporting by states on those who are not allowed to buy a gun for legal or mental health reasons. President Obama has called for background checks in both instances, as well as increased reporting by states on those who are not allowed to buy a gun for legal or mental health reasons.