Cruz says pols exploiting school shooting

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a fierce National Rifle Association ally, accused gun control advocates of trying to "exploit" the December shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, arguing they had tried to use the tragedy to advance their policy agenda.

Within hours of the shooting, Cruz said on "Fox News Sunday," some politicians had emerged to call for increased gun control measures.

Cruz, a freshman Republican, singled out legislation proposed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), which would force owners of assault rifles to register their weapons.

(Also on POLITICO: Heitkamp scoffs at gun-control plan)

"I don't think the federal government has any responsibility creating a national registry of people who choose to lawfully keep and bear arms," he said.