ADVERTISEMENT Cornyn said he and Murphy, along with their respective staff, had been talking and “worked hard” but were “unable to reach a conclusion.” Murphy, in a statement, confirmed that he and Cornyn had been unable to reach an agreement. “I have been very open to compromise and I think Senator Cornyn was negotiating in good faith,” Murphy said. “But we haven't been able to get to a bill that would meaningfully increase the number of gun sales that require background checks,” Murphy added. Murphy didn't completely close the door to getting a deal on background checks, noting that he was still in conversations with other Republicans.