Hey team -

Eight years ago today, the Senate voted on a carefully negotiated background checks bill. It was just months after Sandy Hook, and we had bipartisan sponsorship.

I had real hope that the bill would pass. But it failed narrowly, and for so many of us, it was a crushing defeat.

What we quickly realized was that the gun lobby was too strong, and the anti-gun violence movement was too weak, in order to change the status quo.

Here is the truth: I believe we can do it this time. It won’t be easy, especially since the rules of the Senate require us to find 60 votes (that means 10 Republicans) in order to pass a bill. But it’s possible, and I’m humbled to be in a position to lead this effort.

For five years, McConnell refused to put a background checks bill up for a vote because he knew that many of his members, forced to choose between the fading gun lobby and rising anti-gun violence movement, would side with the latter.

Don’t assume background checks can’t get 60 votes.

Right now, my colleagues and I are in close discussion. I cannot say much about it right now, but a compromise bill is possible. After the shootings in Georgia and Colorado and Indiana and the daily carnage this nation faces, it is time to do something.

My job now is to help bring us across the finish line. I’m laser-focused on the important work at hand, but I do want to make a small ask of you today. I don’t personally ask for your financial support often because I try to do it only when it’s important. Today is one of those days.

If you can afford it, and only if you can afford it, will you consider making a donation of any amount to my campaign today? Small-dollar donations keep my time fundraising to an absolute minimum. That’s what allows me to focus on important work in the Senate.

We don’t have any more time to wait. We must get this done.

Every best wish,

Chris Murphy

DONATE NOW