Newtown Residents 'Disgusted' By Gun Bill Defeats in Senate

Emotionally drained family members of the Newtown, Connecticut shooting victims say they're disappointed but undaunted after Wednesday's U.S. Senate vote derailing gun control.

One measure would have expanded gun buyer background checks at gun shows and for online purchases. The gun reform advocates joined Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy on a conference call after the 54-to-46 vote fell six votes shy of the 60 needed to block a Republican-led filibuster. An assault weapons ban was also defeated.

Erica Lafferty, the daughter of Dawn Hochsprung, the slain principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School said, "I'm honestly disgusted at the result of today's vote, however I'm not discouraged. I do not feel personally defeated. I have an amazing team to stand with, and we absolutely will overcome this."

Steven Barton grew up in Connecticut near Newtown and was wounded in the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting. He says the last couple of weeks on Capitol Hill have been especially frustrating for the victims of gun violence.

Speaking of those Senators who opposed gun reform legislation, Barton said, "I can't tell you how discouraging it is, how really insulting it is to sit across from them and have them talk about certain burdens, that a background check is a bridge too far."

Barton says he and other victims of gun violence will continue their fight to strengthen the nation's gun laws.

Senator Richard Blumenthal called the Senate vote "heartbreaking" and "the most shocking day of my life in public service."

Senator Murphy said he would fight to change the filibuster rule to make it easier to pass legislation that has majority support in the senate.