(Image: The New York Times ) BY JASMINE BAILEY A fiery debate over gun control took place Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee — the first of its kind since the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut last month. The NRA’s Wayne LaPierre has stood strong against new gun restrictions — continuing to push for armed guards in school.  That’s a view the organization has taken since the Newtown, Connecticut shooting. HLN:   “We need to be honest about what works and what does not work. Proposals that would only serve to burden the law-abiding have failed in the past, and they'll fail again in the future.” But proponents for more gun control were equally enthusiastic with a much talked about and unexpected statement from former congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Fox News :  "Violence is a big problem...Too many children are dying, too many children... We must do something.” Giffords stepped down from her post in 2011 after she was shot in the head amid a mass shooting in Tuscon, Arizona. She has since been an active campaigner for stricter gun regulations. Her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly , was also also in attendance and spoke for stricter gun legislation.   The couple recently announced a campaign called Americans For Responsible Solutions— aimed to encourage elected officials to stand up for solutions to prevent gun violence. Wednesday’s debate comes on the heels of President Obama’s sweeping gun control legislation announcement earlier this month.   According to ABC News : It calls for a ban on certain military-style assault rifles and on high capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds. It also proposes expanding required background checks to private gun sales. A new ABC News-Washington Post poll out last week showed 53 percent favored the president's gun control plan while 41 percent viewed it unfavorably.