President Biden will renew the gun control push at the federal level during his Wednesday speech on crime.
Biden’s speech will contain new executive orders and renewed calls for “Congress to pass gun legislation,” according to the Associated Press.
According to senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Biden will announce a “zero-tolerance policy” for rogue gun dealers and steps to stop the illegal trafficking of firearms,
Biden will also emphasize that cities and states can use their portions of aid from the Rescue Plan on public safety efforts, including hiring more police officers.
Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, told reporters, guns will be a “big part” of it, although the speech will focus on crime.
“Yes, there need to be reforms of police systems across the country. The president is a firm believer in that,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday. “But there are also steps he can take as president of the United States to help address and hopefully reduce that crime. A big part of that, in his view, is putting in place gun safety measures … using the bully pulpit but also using levers at his disposal as president.”
On April 8, 2021, Biden issued Nemours executive gun controls, directing his Department of Justice (DOJ) to take action regarding red flag laws, “ghost funs,” and AR-pistols with stabilizer braces, and other things.
The DOJ has forwarded proposed rules on “ghost guns” and AR-pistols with stabilizer braces and put forward guidance for states wanting to adopt red flag laws.
However, Biden is limited in his power to act alone. The House passed two bills requiring background checks on all firearms sales and transfers and allowing an expanded 10-day review for gun purchases. Nevertheless, that legislation faces strong headwinds in the Senate, where some Republican support would be needed for passage.
