Sen. Ted Cruz challenges Vice President Joe Biden to gun debate

NRA members listen to speakers during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) ** FILE **
11-year-old Ryan Weaver inspects a rifle, during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. National Rifle Association leaders told members Saturday that the fight against gun control legislation is far from over, with battles yet to come in Congress and next year's midterm elections, but they vowed that none in the organization will ever have to surrender their weapons. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Todd Spoth)
Born in 1917, the oldest life NRA member in attendance, Wayne Burd, holds up the plaque he received for being a member since 1938 next to Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the NRA during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. National Rifle Association leaders told members Saturday that the fight against gun control legislation is far from over, with battles yet to come in Congress and next year's midterm elections, but they vowed that none in the organization will ever have to surrender their weapons. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)
With a little help, a child shoots an Airsoft gun at a target during NRA Youth Day events at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)
13-year-old Jacob La looks down the sight of a mounted machine gun, during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. National Rifle Association leaders told members Saturday that the fight against gun control legislation is far from over, with battles yet to come in Congress and next year's midterm elections, but they vowed that none in the organization will ever have to surrender their weapons. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Todd Spoth)
Brothers, 10-year-old Kayden La, center. and 13-year-old Jacob La, left, inspect pistols at a booth, during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. National Rifle Association leaders told members Saturday that the fight against gun control legislation is far from over, with battles yet to come in Congress and next year's midterm elections, but they vowed that none in the organization will ever have to surrender their weapons. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Todd Spoth)
Harry McKay, right, of Tampa, Fla., dressed at Patrick Henry talks with Ray Henicke of Abilene, Texas and his wife, Karen Henicke as they wait in line for the Glenn Beck book signing event during the NRA convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. National Rifle Association leaders told members Saturday that the fight against gun control legislation is far from over, with battles yet to come in Congress and next year's midterm elections, but they vowed that none in the organization will ever have to surrender their weapons. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Melissa Phillip)
Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the NRA, speaks during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. National Rifle Association leaders told members Saturday that the fight against gun control legislation is far from over, with battles yet to come in Congress and next year's midterm elections, but they vowed that none in the organization will ever have to surrender their weapons. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)
Eby Owen, center, of Dunedin, Fla., and Debbie Brinson, right, of San Antonio share a hug as they wait in line for the Glenn Beck book signing event during the NRA convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. National Rifle Association leaders told members Saturday that the fight against gun control legislation is far from over, with battles yet to come in Congress and next year's midterm elections, but they vowed that none in the organization will ever have to surrender their weapons. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Melissa Phillip)
** FILE ** NRA member and musician, Ted Nugent, greets fans and signs autographs at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)
NRA members line up to meet musician, Ted Nugent, at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston. The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)
Heath Bryant of Cypress assists his son, Tate, 5, to shoot a target using a video game-style of gun at an exhibit booth during NRA Youth Day events at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)
A young man who chose not to give his name sizes-up an assault style rifle during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Taya Kyle, widow of author and former Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Houston on May 3, 2013. (Associated Press) **FILE**
Former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
A man wearing a t-shirt quoting Gen. George S. Patton attends the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
** FILE ** Smith and Wesson pistols are on display during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Patricia Aquino is presented the ceremonial key to a new house by Texas Gov. Rick Perry during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Attendees recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening of the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Dan Rooney speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Attendees move throughout the exhibition hall in the George R. Brown Center during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox, left, greets former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Attendees applaud a speaker during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
TV personality Jeanine Pirro speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention on Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Former U.N. Ambassador John R. Bolton speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention on Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)
Barry Bailey and his wife Judy, of DeRidder La., walk out hand-in-hand, after having their 1873 Winchester rifle appraised at the NRA's Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase during the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) ** FILE **
NRA attendee, John Joseph of Sebastian, Fla., waits in line outside the George R. Brown Convention Center before the opening of the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Houston. The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)
NRA attendees make their way into the George R. Brown Convention Center before the opening of the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Houston. The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will features training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)
NRA attendee Janet Bero waits to have her German Luger appraised during the NRA's Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase during the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits at the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Houston. NRA's Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase is a television show that runs on the Sportsman Channel. The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits runs from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. More than 70,000 are expected to attend the event with more than 500 exhibitors represented. The convention will feature training and education demos, the Antiques Guns and Gold Showcase, book signings, speakers including Glenn Beck, Ted Nugent and Sarah Palin as well as NRA Youth Day on Sunday. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)

By Jessica Chasmar - The Washington Times - Sunday, May 5, 2013

Kicking off the National Rifle Association’s annual convention Friday in Houston, Sen. Ted Cruz extended an invitation to Vice President Joseph R. Biden to a debate on guns.

“I would like to invite the vice president to engage in an hour-long conversation and debate. How do we stop crime?” Mr. Cruz said at the NRA-IRL Leadership Forum.

Mr. Cruz, Texas Republican, railed against those he said are trying to push gun control laws, making “the target of their legislation … law-abiding citizens.” He also mocked the vice president for his recommendation to fire a shotgun in the air in order to deter criminals.

“I have to note, by the way — Vice President Joe Biden did have some very helpful advice on this issue,” the senator told the crowd on Friday. “You know, he said if your house and your family are ever under attack, all you need to do is go outside with a double-barreled shotgun and fire both barrels in the air — which is very, very useful if it so happens that you’re being attacked by a flock of geese.”

• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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Sen. Ted Cruz challenges Vice President Joe Biden to gun debate

NRA members listen to speakers during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) FILE

FILE NRA member and musician, Ted Nugent, greets fans and signs autographs at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)

A young man who chose not to give his name sizes-up an assault style rifle during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Taya Kyle, widow of author and former Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Houston on May 3, 2013. (Associated Press) FILE

Former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

A man wearing a t-shirt quoting Gen. George S. Patton attends the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

FILE Smith and Wesson pistols are on display during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Patricia Aquino is presented the ceremonial key to a new house by Texas Gov. Rick Perry during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Attendees recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening of the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Dan Rooney speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Attendees move throughout the exhibition hall in the George R. Brown Center during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox, left, greets former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Attendees applaud a speaker during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

TV personality Jeanine Pirro speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention on Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Former U.N. Ambassador John R. Bolton speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention on Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

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NRA members listen to speakers during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) ** FILE **

** FILE ** NRA member and musician, Ted Nugent, greets fans and signs autographs at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)

A young man who chose not to give his name sizes-up an assault style rifle during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Taya Kyle, widow of author and former Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Houston on May 3, 2013. (Associated Press) **FILE**

Former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

A man wearing a t-shirt quoting Gen. George S. Patton attends the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

** FILE ** Smith and Wesson pistols are on display during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Patricia Aquino is presented the ceremonial key to a new house by Texas Gov. Rick Perry during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Attendees recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening of the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Dan Rooney speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Attendees move throughout the exhibition hall in the George R. Brown Center during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox, left, greets former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Attendees applaud a speaker during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

TV personality Jeanine Pirro speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention on Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Former U.N. Ambassador John R. Bolton speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention on Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action executive director Chris W. Cox speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013 in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Top of the Times

NRA members listen to speakers during the NRA Annual Meeting of Members at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson) FILE

FILE NRA member and musician, Ted Nugent, greets fans and signs autographs at the National Rifle Association's 142 Annual Meetings and Exhibits in the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)

Taya Kyle, widow of author and former Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, speaks during the leadership forum at the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Houston on May 3, 2013. (Associated Press) FILE

FILE Smith and Wesson pistols are on display during the National Rifle Association's annual convention Friday, May 3, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Steve Ueckert)