Cracking down on gun trafficking

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Members of Hartford's Shooting Task Force are giving high marks to lawmakers for a job well done.

On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a proposed bill that's aimed at cracking down on illegal gun trafficking.

It's the first of several gun control bills proposed in the wake of the Newtown school shootings.

Senator Richard Blumenthal says police officers in Hartford know all-too-well about the effects of gun violence.

He says gun traffickers play a major role in the crime that plagues the capitol city.

"Gun traffickers deal in death. The majority of shootings and killings on our streets and our neighborhoods are done with stolen weapons or illegal trafficked guns and that's why cracking down on the illegal gun trade is absolutely essential," said Sen. Blumenthal.

The bill would make gun trafficking and illegal purchases a federal crime.

Violators would face up to 25 years in prison.

The bill is now heading to the senate floor for a vote.