May 18, 2013
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Rifle Association and gun-control advocates, including the husband of wounded former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, are facing off at the year's first Senate hearing on curbing gun violence.
Wednesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing comes less than two months after the massacre of 20 first-graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
That shooting rampage has revived the debate over restricting firearms, including proposals by President Barack Obama to require background checks on all gun sales and ban assault weapons.
In prepared testimony, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre says he favors steps like boosting school security and enforcing existing gun laws.
Testifying for some gun curbs will be retired astronaut Mark Kelly, Giffords' husband. Giffords is a Democrat and gun owner.
