There should be a counter-pressure to NRA’s influence over Members of the House and Senate. That influence comes from their favorite game. It has two parts: Campaigning for Cash, and Cash for Campaigning.

So I suggest you call the US Capitol at 202/224-3121 in Washington, and ask for your Senators  (just say what state you’re from if you can’t recall their names).  At Sen. X’s office, ask for the staffer most involved in gun-regulation policy, and say:

“I’m Xxxx Xxxx and I live in ____________. My phone is ccc.cccc.cccc and my Email is x-xxxx  

“I am calling to urge Senator X to publicly state s/he will not accept campaign contributions from the National Rifle Assn until it formally announces that it will support  banning assault weapons and rapid-fire rifles.

[If possible, have a conversation at this point. Whenever it feels at an end, be sure to add: ]

“Please write me or call me with the Senator’s response to this request. I’m Xxxx Xxxx and I live in ____________. My phone is ccc.cccc.cccc and my Email is x-xxxx.”

And once again, please let me know how it goes by dropping a note to me at Office@theshalomcenter.org

If you’re in DC, with no Senators, I suggest calling Senator Harry Reid,  leader.