WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released a new report on the firearm industry’s massive influence on the National Rifle Association (NRA). The report, which was developed using NRA fundraising data dating back to 2005, reveals that the firearms industry has contributed as much as $40 million to the NRA since 2005 through traditional and non-traditional fundraising methods. Nearly every sector of the firearms industry has donated to the NRA, some directly and others through proceeds from the sale of firearms equipment. For example, some retailers have generated nearly $10 million for the NRA through its “Round-Up Program”, which rounds up purchases of firearms equipment to the nearest dollar, donating the difference to the NRA.
In turn, the NRA has stated that its top legislative priority is to protect gun manufacturers by advocating for legislation that benefits the firearm industry. For example, the NRA helped to pass the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act – a bill signed by President George W. Bush that prevents cities from being able to hold the firearms industry accountable for the cost of gun violence.
“It’s astonishing that the NRA continues to claim that it represents responsible gun owners throughout the country, when a quick look at its fundraising data shows something completely different – it’s increasingly just an extension of the firearms industry,” said Murphy. “Tens of millions of dollars are funneled to the NRA by gun manufacturers, ammo vendors, and the rest of the firearms industry to further its goal of protecting the firearm industry in Washington.”
This is the second in a series of reports that Murphy will release on the national gun lobby. Last week, Murphy released a report on the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) ineffective political spending in the 2012 election. The report revealed that the NRA won fewer than 20% of the key races it invested in, and that nearly 75 percent of the total funds the NRA spent in the 2012 election cycle were spent against Democrats who support anti-gun violence measures such as background checks – a measure also supported by the majority of NRA members.
Murphy has been an active leader on anti-gun violence initiatives. He recently joined six Members of Congress to introduce the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013, legislation that would ban certain military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Murphy is also an original cosponsor of the Ammunition Background Check Act of 2013, which requires instant background checks for the sale of gun ammunition.
