Christopher Scott Murphy is a Democratic politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from Connecticut since 2013. Prior to his Senate role, he represented Connecticut's 5th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013. Murphy's political career began in the Connecticut General Assembly, where he served two terms each in both the House of Representatives (1999-2003) and the Senate (2003-2007).
August 3, 1973: Birth of Chris Murphy
Chris Murphy was born on August 3, 1973.
1996: Campaign Manager for Charlotte Koskoff
Chris Murphy served as the campaign manager for Charlotte Koskoff's unsuccessful run for the House against Nancy Johnson in 1996.
1997: Elected to the Planning and Zoning Commission in Southington
In 1997, Chris Murphy was elected to a seat on the planning and zoning commission in Southington.
1998: Elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives
Chris Murphy challenged and defeated 14-year incumbent Republican State Representative Angelo Fusco in 1998, securing his first term in the Connecticut House of Representatives.
1998: Worked for Connecticut State Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen
From 1997 to 1998, Chris Murphy worked for Connecticut State Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen.
March 1999: Criticized U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Johnson's Vote for Impeaching President Bill Clinton
Chris Murphy criticized U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Johnson's vote to impeach President Bill Clinton in March 1999.
1999: Elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives
Chris Murphy was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1999.
2000: Won Re-election to the Connecticut House of Representatives
Chris Murphy won re-election to the Connecticut House of Representatives for a second term in 2000.
2001: Co-sponsored a Bill to Eliminate Child Poverty
Chris Murphy co-sponsored a bill to eliminate child poverty in 2001.
2002: Supported Rights for LGBT People
Chris Murphy started supporting rights for LGBT people as early as 2002.
2003: Joined the Clean Car Alliance
Chris Murphy joined the Clean Car Alliance in 2003 and supported California-like environmental standards on auto manufacturers.
2003: Elected to the Connecticut State Senate
Chris Murphy was elected to the Connecticut State Senate in 2003.
2004: Supported Bill to Ban Smoking in Restaurants and Bars
Chris Murphy supported a bill to ban smoking in all restaurants and bars in 2004.
2004: Won Re-election to the Connecticut State Senate
Chris Murphy won re-election for a second term in the Connecticut State Senate in 2004.
2005: Co-sponsored a Civil Union Bill
Chris Murphy was one of the first ten co-sponsors of a civil union bill that passed the General Assembly in 2005.
2005: Authored Legislation on Child Protection and Stem-Cell Research
In 2005, Chris Murphy authored legislation establishing the Office of Child Protection and wrote Public Act 05-149, an act permitting stem-cell research while prohibiting human cloning.
2006: Elected to the US House of Representatives
Chris Murphy was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2006, defeating 12-term incumbent Republican Nancy Johnson.
May 2007: Organized Freshmen House Members to Support the Creation of an Independent Ethics Panel
Chris Murphy organized a group of freshmen House members in May 2007 to support the creation of an independent, non-partisan ethics panel to review complaints filed against members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
August 2007: Marriage to Catherine Holahan
Chris Murphy married Catherine Holahan in August 2007.
2007: Home Invasions in Murphy's District
In 2007, two home invasions occured in Chris Murphy's district, prompting him to later propose making home invasion a federal crime.
2007: Began Serving as US Representative for Connecticut's 5th Congressional District
Chris Murphy started serving as US Representative for Connecticut's 5th Congressional District in 2007.
March 2008: Helped Shape the Independent Office of Congressional Ethics
The House passed the independent Office of Congressional Ethics in March 2008, which Chris Murphy helped shape.
August 2008: Expressed Support for Increased Oil Drilling
Chris Murphy sent a letter to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in August 2008, expressing support for increased oil drilling as part of a bipartisan energy bill.
2008: Won Re-election to the US House of Representatives
Chris Murphy won re-election to the US House of Representatives in 2008.
2008: Government Funding Transparency Act
In 2008, as a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Chris Murphy criticized for-profit contractors in Iraq and introduced the "Government Funding Transparency Act of 2008", requiring companies with majority-federal business to disclose executives' salaries.
2008: Webster Bank Loan Controversy
In 2008, while serving on the House Financial Services Committee, Chris Murphy received a loan from Webster Bank at a rate of 4.99% to consolidate previous mortgages. This loan became a point of contention during his 2012 Senate campaign, with opponent Linda McMahon accusing him of receiving preferential treatment.
2008: Authored the "Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act"
The House of Representatives passed the "Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act" in 2008, which Chris Murphy authored to modernize and streamline Section 811, which governs federal supportive housing grants.
2008: New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line Advocacy
Chris Murphy successfully added an amendment to rail legislation to facilitate the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line project in 2008.
2008: Cheshire Home Invasion
In 2008, a brutal home invasion occured in Cheshire, Connecticut, in Chris Murphy's district, involving the rape and murder of a mother and her two daughters. In response, Murphy proposed making home invasion a federal crime.
August 2009: Helped Draft HR 3200, the House Health-Care Reform Bill
Chris Murphy helped draft HR 3200, the House health-care reform bill in 2009.
2009: Billy's Law
In 2009, Chris Murphy introduced "Billy's Law" to improve law-enforcement coordination in locating missing persons.
2010: Won Re-election to the US House of Representatives
Chris Murphy won re-election to the US House of Representatives in 2010.
January 20, 2011: Senate Campaign Announcement
On January 20, 2011, Chris Murphy announced his candidacy for the Senate seat held by Joe Lieberman, who was retiring.
February 2011: Voted to Extend Provisions of the Patriot Act
Chris Murphy voted to extend provisions of the Patriot Act in February 2011.
2011: Sponsored a Bill and Suggested Investigation Related to Supreme Court Ethics
Chris Murphy sponsored a bill that would subject Supreme Court Justices to the same ethical code as other federal judges and suggested an investigation into Justice Clarence Thomas's ethical conduct in 2011.
2012: Senate Election Victory
Chris Murphy defeated Linda McMahon in the 2012 Connecticut Senate election, marking it the most expensive political race in Connecticut history at the time.
January 3, 2013: Senate Term Begins
Chris Murphy assumed office as the junior United States Senator for Connecticut on January 3, 2013.
May 19, 2013: Received Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree
Chris Murphy received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of New Haven on May 19, 2013.
2013: Elected as Junior United States Senator from Connecticut
Chris Murphy became the junior United States Senator from Connecticut in 2013.
June 8, 2015: Principles for a Progressive Foreign Policy
Chris Murphy co-authored "Principles for a Progressive Foreign Policy" in the June 8, 2015, edition of Foreign Affairs, outlining a framework for a Democratic foreign policy strategy.
June 24, 2015: Murphy Highlights Frequent School Shootings Since Sandy Hook
On June 24, 2015, Chris Murphy stated that there had been an average of one school shooting per week since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. This statement, while emphasizing the frequency of school shootings, was deemed misleading by The Washington Post.
August 5, 2015: Introduction of the Mental Health Reform Act of 2015
On August 5, 2015, Senator Chris Murphy, along with Senator Bill Cassidy, introduced the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2015. This legislation aimed to bring about a significant change in the mental health system by increasing treatment capacity, promoting integrated care models, expanding the mental health workforce, and strengthening the enforcement of mental health parity laws.
2015: Religious Beliefs and Practices
In 2015, Murphy stated that while he was raised as a Congregationalist, he identifies as "Protestant/unaffiliated" and does not regularly attend church. He attributed this in part to family life with young children and a demanding work schedule.
January 29, 2016: Opposition to US Support for Saudi-Led Campaign in Yemen
On January 29, 2016, Chris Murphy publicly recommended that the US cease its support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen and halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia.
March 2016: Introduction of the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act
In March 2016, Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Rob Portman co-authored the bipartisan Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act. Congressman Adam Kinzinger introduced a similar bill in the U.S. House. This effort aimed to counter the perceived influence of Russian propaganda on the 2016 U.S. presidential election and protect national security.
March 16, 2016: Senate Committee Passes Mental Health Reform Act
On March 16, 2016, the Mental Health Reform Act achieved a significant milestone when it was unanimously passed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
September 2016: Murphy Signs Letter Against UN Resolution on Israeli Settlements
Chris Murphy joined other senators in signing an AIPAC-backed letter in September 2016, urging President Obama to veto a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories. The letter deemed the resolution "one-sided" against Israel.
November 30, 2016: Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act Passes
On November 30, 2016, legislation was approved as part of the National Defense Authorization Act to counter foreign propaganda, particularly from Russia. This legislation, a result of the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act, authorized $160 million over two years for the U.S. State Department to establish an interagency panel to address the issue.
December 7, 2016: Senate Passes Mental Health Reform as Part of 21st Century Cures Act
On December 7, 2016, the Senate passed the Mental Health Reform Act as a part of the comprehensive 21st Century Cures Act. This landmark legislation included provisions to address the opioid crisis, fund the NIH Cancer Moonshot initiative, and enact crucial mental health reforms.
December 13, 2016: President Obama Signs the 21st Century Cures Act into Law
On December 13, 2016, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law, marking a historic moment for healthcare reform in the United States. This comprehensive legislation included the Mental Health Reform Act, provisions to combat the opioid epidemic, and funding for groundbreaking cancer research through the NIH Cancer Moonshot initiative.
2016: Murphy Stages Filibuster for Gun Control Following Orlando Nightclub Shooting
Following the tragic Orlando nightclub shooting in 2016, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history at the time, Chris Murphy staged a filibuster to demand stricter gun control measures. This filibuster became one of the longest in U.S. history.
2016: Connecticut Walk and Town Hall Meetings
In 2016, Chris Murphy walked 126 miles across Connecticut, engaging with constituents and holding town hall meetings.
2016: Support for Veterans' Access to Medical Marijuana and Protection for Medical Marijuana Users
In 2016, Senator Murphy demonstrated his support for cannabis-related causes through two key votes. He voted in favor of the Daines/Merkley Amendment, which aimed to enable doctors at the Veterans Administration to openly discuss the potential benefits of medical marijuana with their patients. Additionally, he supported the Mikulski Medical Marijuana Amendment, designed to safeguard individuals residing in states with legalized medical marijuana from federal interference.
April 2017: Senators Warn Trump Against Actions that Could Destabilize Health Insurance Market
In April 2017, Chris Murphy and four other Democratic senators wrote a letter to President Trump expressing concerns over potential actions that could destabilize the health insurance market. Specifically, they warned against opposing a lawsuit or directing House Republicans to abandon efforts related to the Affordable Care Act, fearing that such actions would create uncertainty for insurers and consumers.
July 2017: Murphy Votes for Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act
In July 2017, Chris Murphy voted in favor of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, imposing sanctions on Iran, Russia, and North Korea.
November 2017: Criticism of US Complicity in Yemen War Crimes
Chris Murphy accused the United States of being complicit in war crimes and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen due to its support of the Saudi-led military coalition in November 2017.
December 2017: Murphy Criticizes Trump's Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
Chris Murphy criticized President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December 2017. While not opposing the move entirely, Murphy expressed concern over the timing and approach, suggesting it should be done at the "right time" and in the "right manner".
2017: Introduction of the Fix NICS Act
In 2017, following a church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, Chris Murphy and Senator John Cornyn introduced the Fix NICS Act. This bipartisan bill aimed to improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by ensuring that criminal records are properly submitted to the federal database.
2017: Murphy Condemns the American Health Care Act
Chris Murphy strongly criticized the American Health Care Act of 2017, referring to it as an "intellectual and moral dumpster fire." He argued that the proposed legislation would lead to millions of Americans losing their health insurance coverage, highlighting his disapproval of the bill.
2017: Connecticut Walk and Town Hall Meetings
Chris Murphy repeated his walk across Connecticut in 2017, this time covering 106 miles and holding town hall meetings.
2017: Murphy Introduces National Assault Weapon Ban
Chris Murphy, a strong supporter of gun control, introduced a national assault weapon ban in 2017. This move aligns with his F rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund, indicating his firm stance against the organization's interests.
March 2018: Senators Call for Hearing on Mass Shootings Following Stoneman Douglas Shooting
In March 2018, after the tragic shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School, Chris Murphy joined nine other senators in urging the Senate HELP Committee to hold a hearing on mass shootings. This call for action highlighted the need to address the root causes of gun violence and explore potential solutions.
May 2018: Opposition to FLRA Office Closures
Chris Murphy joined twelve senators in May 2018 to oppose the closure of the Federal Labor Relations Authority's Boston regional office, arguing that it would hinder the agency's ability to protect federal employee rights.
June 2018: New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line Begins Operation
In June 2018, the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line, a project Chris Murphy had advocated for and worked on since 2008, began operation.
October 2018: Call for Reevaluation of US-Saudi Relations
In October 2018, following reports of Jamal Khashoggi's murder, Chris Murphy asserted that if confirmed, it should mark a turning point in US-Saudi Arabian relations.
December 2018: Murphy Responds to Trump's Order to Withdraw Troops from Syria
Following President Trump's announcement of withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria in December 2018, Chris Murphy expressed conditional support for the withdrawal. While agreeing with the withdrawal, Murphy stressed the need for renewed diplomatic efforts and a surge in humanitarian aid to protect Syrian civilians from potential Turkish incursions or regime reprisals.
2018: Senators Urge Trump To Reinstate Foreign Aid to Central America
Chris Murphy joined 33 other senators in April 2019 in signing a letter to President Trump, urging him to reverse his decision to cut foreign aid to Central American countries. The senators argued that this funding was crucial in improving conditions in these countries, thereby reducing migration to the U.S. They also criticized Trump's understanding of U.S. foreign assistance. This funding was related to the Fiscal Year 2018 national security funding.
2018: Senators Warn Trump Against Actions that Could Destabilize Health Insurance Market
In April 2017, Chris Murphy and four other Democratic senators wrote a letter to President Trump expressing concerns over potential actions that could destabilize the health insurance market. Specifically, they warned against opposing a lawsuit or directing House Republicans to abandon efforts related to the Affordable Care Act, fearing that such actions would create uncertainty for insurers and consumers and impact the participation in the marketplace in 2018.
2018: Fix NICS Act Passes
The Fix NICS Act, introduced by Chris Murphy and Senator John Cornyn in response to the 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting, was successfully passed as part of the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The act aims to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
February 2019: Sanctions on Saudi Officials and Yemen War Resolution
In February 2019, Chris Murphy was among seven senators who reintroduced legislation to impose sanctions on Saudi officials involved in Jamal Khashoggi's killing and to curb US support for the Yemen war.
April 2019: Senators Urge Trump To Reinstate Foreign Aid to Central America
Chris Murphy joined 33 other senators in April 2019 in signing a letter to President Trump, urging him to reverse his decision to cut foreign aid to Central American countries. The senators argued that this funding was crucial in improving conditions in these countries, thereby reducing migration to the U.S. They also criticized Trump's understanding of U.S. foreign assistance.
July 2019: Introduction of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act
In July 2019, Senator Murphy joined forces with fifteen other Senate Democrats to introduce the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act. This legislation aimed to establish stricter regulations on ICE enforcement actions at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
2019: Murphy at the Atlantic Council
In 2019 at the Atlantic Council, Chris Murphy argued that Russia poses a constant threat to the US and its security interests, regardless of who is in power. He emphasized the need for NATO allies to recognize vulnerabilities in understanding Russia's strategies. He also echoed concerns about Russia's imperial ambitions.
January 2020: Murphy Calls for FBI Investigation into Alleged Saudi Hacking of Jeff Bezos' Phone
In January 2020, Chris Murphy urged FBI Director Christopher A. Wray to investigate allegations that Saudi Arabia had hacked Jeff Bezos' phone. The alleged hacking was potentially part of an effort to silence The Washington Post's reporting on Saudi Arabia.
September 2020: Publication of "The Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy"
In September 2020, Chris Murphy, a staunch advocate for gun control, published his book titled "The Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy", further solidifying his stance on the issue.
2021: Response to January 6th Capitol Attack
Following the January 6th Capitol attack in 2021, Chris Murphy called for the removal of Donald Trump from office and announced his intent to lead an investigation into the security failures.
June 2022: Response to Overturning of Roe v. Wade
Chris Murphy strongly condemned the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022.
June 2022: Response to the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
In June 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Senator Murphy publicly expressed his strong disapproval of the ruling. He criticized the justices who supported the decision, referring to them as "politicians" and arguing that they were using the Constitution to advance their political agendas. He also drew a parallel between the court's rulings on guns and abortion, condemning the perceived inconsistency.
2023: Murphy Introduces National Assault Weapon Ban
Chris Murphy, a strong supporter of gun control, introduced a national assault weapon ban in 2023. This move aligns with his F rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund, indicating his firm stance against the organization's interests.