In America, mass shootings have become an epidemic, and there appears to be no movement on how we should control guns getting into the hands of people who should not have them. Some lawmakers and proponents of gun rights organizations have tried vigorously to convince the public that tougher gun laws mean the government is trying to infringe on an individual’s right to carry a fire-arm. Those of us who understand the current plight of this country know that this is not the case.
So why are certain political representatives so adamant about keeping guns in the hands of whoever wants them? Perhaps its because these politicians are able to carry on with their luxurious lifestyles by being supporters of filthy rich pro-gun organizations. When you want to know why it seems to be so difficult to make common sense laws regarding gun rights, all one has to do is follow the cash.
Research organization called Center For Responsive Politics conducted some eye-opening research regarding who’s getting high dollar kickbacks from pro-gun groups in the U.S. In 2016, over $5.9 million in contributions were donated to Grand Old Party’s campaigns compared to only $106,000 to democratic contributions.
$5,900,000 $106,000
given to Republicans in 2016 election cycle given to Democrats in 2016 election cycle
Pro-gun groups love Republicans so much, that more than half of the members of the House of Representatives (235 out of 435) received money from the NRA and Gun Owners of America. Out of the 235 members of the House who received funds, only 9 were Democrats.
The Center For Responsive Politics gathered data for the last 30 years to examine what campaign contributions from pro-gun groups were allocated to Representatives while in office. The amounts are significant.
Check out the details below. Senator Paul Ryan, who has been in office over 18 years, has received the most money from pro-gun groups – over $300,000 during his career. Also, the 2016 political cycle saw more campaign contributions from pro-gun organizations than they have seen in the last 30 years. So, the next time you start wondering about why the government seems to be fighting against tougher gun legislation – just remember to follow the money.
| Name | Amount | Party | District | Years in office |
| Paul Ryan | $336,597 | Republican | Wisconsin, District 1 | 18 |
| John Boehner | $231,265 | Republican | Ohio, District 8 | 24 |
| Don Young | $195,272 | Republican | Alaska, At-Large District | 44 |
| John Thune | $181,215 | Republican | South Dakota, At-large District | 18 |
| Pat Toomey | $167,051 | Republican | Pennsylvania, District 15 | 12 |
| Ken Calvert | $144,466 | Republican | California, District 42 | 24 |
| Roy Blunt | $143,543 | Republican | Missouri, District 7 | 20 |
| Denny Rehberg | $138,959 | Republican | Montana, At-large District | 12 |
| Steve Pearce | $129,250 | Republican | New Mexico, District 2 | 6 |
| Saxby Chambliss | $128,950 | Republican | Georgia, District 8 | 12 |
| George Allen | $127,556 | Republican | Virginia, District 7 | 8 |
| Richard Burr | $124,550 | Republican | North Carolina, District 5 | 22 |
| Richard Pombo | $122,694 | Republican | California, District 11 | 14 |
| Pete Sessions | $121,776 | Republican | Texas, District 32 | 14 |
| Jim Inhofe | $121,100 | Republican | Oklahoma, District 1 | 31 |
| John Kline | $119,887 | Republican | Minnesota, District 2 | 14 |
| Rick Santorum | $115,942 | Republican | Pennsylvania, District 18 | 16 |
| John Doolittle | $111,193 | Republican | California, District 4 | 16 |
| Ed Royce | $111,120 | Republican | California, District 39 | 24 |
| Dean Heller | $108,515 | Republican | District 2 | 4 |
| Ron Paul | $108,453 | Republican | Texas, 14 and 22 | 12 |
| Michele Bachmann | $108,218 | Republican | Minnesota, District 6 | 4 |
| Rob Portman | $107,727 | Republican | Ohio, District 2 | 20 |
| Bob Goodlatte | $104,900 | Republican | Virginia, District 6 | 24 |
| Martha McSally | $104,445 | Republican | Arizona, District 2 | 2 |
| Mike Coffman | $101,693 | Republican | Colorado, District 6 | 8 |
| Bob Barr | $101,473 | Republican | Georgia, District 7 | 8 |
| Collin Peterson | $98,500 | Democrat | Minnesota, District 7 | 26 |
Source: Politico
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