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Sen. Ted Cruz at Home in Houston for NRA Convention

US Senate

The National Rifle Association is having its national convention this weekend in Houston.

The gathering of an expected 70,000 people comes a little more than two weeks after a measure that would expand background checks failed to pass the U.S. Senate, which the NRA considers a victory.

Speaking at the convention Friday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, supported the idea often espoused by the NRA that rather than passing new gun laws, the U.S. should enforce the laws already on the books.

“If you are a violent criminal, we should come down on you like a ton of bricks," Sen. Cruz said. "And at the same time we should safeguard the Constitutional Rights of law-abiding citizens.”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry spoke earlier in the day, calling Texas a safe-haven for freedom.

Saturday’s Stand and Fight Rally features former FOX News Channel host, Glenn Beck.

Rocker Ted Nugent speaks at the convention on Sunday.

Trey Shaar is an All Things Considered producer, reporter and host. Got a tip? Email him at tshaar@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @treyshaar.
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