Sen. Brian Schatz and Sen. Mazie Hirono expressed disappointment  after a measure to toughen background checks failed in the Senate. Schatz and Hirono voted for the measure.

Schatz said in a statement:

“It’s extremely disappointing that the Senate failed to pass measures to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the severely mentally ill.

“My heart goes out to the victims of gun violence and their families who have worked tirelessly to get their elected leaders to support this commonsense reform.  While I support second amendment rights,  I stand with President Obama and 90% of the American people in supporting criminal background checks in order to keep our children and loved ones safe. We are not done and this fight is not over. I am confident that commonsense will prevail.” 

And Hirono said:

“I’m very disappointed that – even in the wake of the Newtown tragedy – basic improvements to our background check system and gun trafficking laws failed to obtain the votes needed to move forward in the Senate. This fight is not over. I know that the people of Hawaii and the rest of our nation want stronger gun safety laws. I hope we listen in the coming days as they make their voices heard.”

Photo courtesy robscomputer.

— Kery Murakami