DO THIS NOW: Support Expanded Background Checks for Gun Purchases

In light of recent mass shootings in Florida, Las Vegas, Texas, and other cities across the country, it is clearer than ever that America's current approach to gun policy and gun violence must change. One obvious option is to close background check loopholes. Currently, background checks are mandatory for commercial gun sales but not for purchases made through private sellers, at gun shows, or online.

To fix this problem, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), along with 31 Democrat co-sponsors, has introduced the Background Check Expansion Act, which would make background checks nearly universal.

The bill would close the "gun show loophole" by mandating that all sellers run potential buyer information through the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). It would also require a licensed firearms dealer run a NICS check on buyers purchasing a gun from a private seller. The bill maintains some exceptions for law enforcement officials, loans for hunting and sporting events, or for immediate self-defense.

Sen. Murphy has been working to pass the expansion of background checks since 20 Newtown children were killed in his state. While he acknowledges the tough hurdles such legislation faces, especially from the NRA, public support for expanded background check has risen to 90%. Two of the 5 deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history happened in the span of 35 days this fall. The time for Congress to finally take action against rampant gun violence in this country is now.

Here's what you can do. Call your members of congress and say:

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].

[IF SENATOR]: I'm calling to express my support for S. 2009, the Background Check Expansion Act. Closing loopholes that allow the wrong people to buy guns is a necessary step Congress must take to strengthen our current gun policies and protect Americans from the rampant gun violence devastating our country.

[IF HOUSE REP]: I'm calling to ask that Senator Jerry Moran support legislation to expand background checks for gun purchases. Closing loopholes that allow the wrong people to buy guns is a necessary step Congress must take to strengthen our current gun policies and protect Americans from the rampant gun violence devastating our country.

Thank you for your time and attention.

[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]

H/T to FiveCalls for this CTA.