WASHINGTON – In an effort to demand the U.S. Senate take up gun control proposals, Illinois' senior U.S. Senator Dick Durbin joined a filibuster at 12:45 am on June 17, 2016.
Durbin said using semi-automatic guns are being used in "a new wave of terrorism," and condemned Illinois' gun shows where customers pick up similar weapons "with no background checks." The senator did not state that no one may legally purchase a firearm without a FOID card, which is distributed only after a background check.
In his soliloquy, Durbin urged the U.S. Senate to vote on legislation to set up new guidelines for gun purchases – especially in Illinois.
The next week, the Senate voted on four measures – two proposed by Democrats, two by Republicans. None of the four were supported enough to pass the Senate. All were met with bi-partisan opposition.
Video below:
