Brad Howard, a former aide to then-U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, checked in yesterday with
Murphy is
In the aftermath of the Florida gun slaughter, one Arkansas congressman, U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford said on Twitter
I think that starts with better enforcement and re-examining the Dickey amendment in order to get good data concerning the role mental health plays in gun violence.
— Rep Rick Crawford (@RepRickCrawford) February 16, 2018
Well, hello, Congressman Crawford. Murphy responded:
Agreed, @RepRickCrawford. My bill, the Gun Violence Research Act, or HR1478, would permanently repeal the #DickeyAmendment. I would welcome your co-sponsorship to make this a bipartisan effort.
— Rep Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) February 16, 2018
As ever, talk is cheap. Said Howard in response to my question about actual support for repeal:
No Republicans anywhere. They all keep saying we should get rid of Dickey Amendment, but none will cosponsor a bill to do so.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar even seemed to be supportive of research in statements at a hearing Thursday.
So then. Sens. Tom Cotton and John Boozman? Reps. Steve Womack, Bruce Westerman, Rick Crawford and French Hill? Could we not again support
Wait, never mind on French Hill. The NRA’s $1 million bankroll of Hill guarantees he’ll never support even common-sense approaches to gun violence.
UPDATE: Brad Howard says one Republican has signed on Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.).