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.
